One of the most thrilling Encounter in Ultimate Rugby Championship history will reach its conclusion on Saturday.
Exeter are targeting a European and domestic double, having already made the European Champions Cup final against French giants Racing 92 next weekend.
Exeter, though, will be without talisman Jack Nowell, who misses out with a foot injury. Former Bath player Olly Woodburn comes in on the wing for Nowell. Ollie Devoto, another Bath alumni, replaces Ian Whitten in the centre and up front, South African Jacques Vermeulen returns to the fold in place of Sam Skinner, who drops to the bench.
It should be a fantastic semi-final,” said Baxter. “Now that things are sorted and we know we are playing Bath, it’s important we move on quickly. Although we didn’t know until Wednesday that we would be playing them, we had some expectations that it would be tough for Sale, particularly given what had happened with their tests – and the numbers that were involved, that they wouldn’t be able to play the semi-final.
“With that in mind, the coaches here have done a huge amount of prep to make sure we had as many things covered as possible, so that when we did get the final decision we were in a place to just go with things. Not knowing who we were going to play actually helped us a little bit, just because it allowed us to talk and focus more on ourselves, now we’ve just add in bits to cater for Bath.”
Referring to the unique circumstances of this extended season, Baxter added: “I often say to the players, nobody will win a competition like this again. In our case, we actually have the option of two competitions. I just hope and pray that there won’t be a scenario where we play big semi-finals and finals behind closed doors again, nor do we have midweek games, back-to-back games, European games back-to-back, because it is tough.”
Bath make three changes after last week’s draw away at Saracens as they prepare for a first semi-final since 2015. Winger Joe Cokanasiga makes his return after spending 16 months out on the side lines following a knee injury.
Cameron Redpath moves into midfield to join Jonathan Joseph with the young England centre replacing Josh Matavesi, who is named on the bench. Flanker Tom Ellis comes back into the matchday 23 for Mike Williams.
Kick-off: 4.30pm
Venue: Sandy Park
Referee: Luke Pearce
TV coverage: Live on BT Sport 1 from 3.45pm (Highlights on Channel 5, Monday 12 October, 7pm)
Exeter Chiefs: Hogg; Woodburn, Slade, Devoto, O’Flaherty; J. Simmonds, Maunder; Hepburn, Cowan-Dickie, Williams, Gray, Hill, Ewers, Vermeulen, S. Simmonds.
Replacements: Yeandle, Moon, Francis, Skinner, Kirsten, Hidalgo-Clyne, Steenson, Whitten.
Bath: Watson; McConnochie, Joseph, Redpath, Cokanasiga; Priestland, Spencer; Obano, Dunn, Stuart, McNally, Ewels, Ellis, Underhill, Faletau.
Replacements: Walker, Boyce, Judge, Stooke, Reid, Chudley, Matavesi, De Glanville.
Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper said overwhelming favourites Exeter hold no fear for his side.
“I have got no doubt about it, they can be beaten at Sandy Park,” he said. “They are aiming to get to their fifth final in a row so they are a consistent team but they are beatable for sure.