Russell Earnshaw challenges young players to prove to Exeter they have Championship ability

Oct 16 2009 by Brian Dick, Birmingham Mail

RUSSELL Earnshaw has challenged his young players to prove they belong in the Championship as Exeter visit Sharmans Cross Road tomorrow.

The Bees’ head coach has been forced to pick an inexperienced line-up for the visit of the unbeaten Chiefs as his squad continues to weaken by the day.

Last year’s captain Ben Phillips has been released from his contract and lock Toby Freeman has been allowed to make a quick return to Sandy Park, having left in the summer.

But Earnshaw says the youngsters that remain have been given an outstanding opportunity to show their worth in the second tier of English rugby.

“There is no pressure on us,” he said. “Everyone expects us to lose but we will have guys on the park with everything to win.

“Adam Clayton played superbly against Leeds last year but because the back row was playing so well it was difficult for him to get game time.

“Jimmy Williams did well at Bedford last week and he gets a chance to show he can do it on back-to-back Saturdays in the Championship.

“And Ronnie McLean made a good impact when he was switched to the centre. We could have picked Will Lawson there but we want to see what Ronnie can do.”

Off the pitch Earnshaw remains optimistic the club’s negotiations with the Rugby Football Union will result in approval for their ‘phoenix company’ transaction.

On the field he believes his men can cause an upset against the only side in the division to have won all six of their league fixtures.

“We know how Exeter play, they have good players,” he added. “But we know our style can unsettle teams and if we stick to that we’ve always got a chance.”