Bath faces a significant setback as Finn Russell is ruled out of the Gallagher Premiership semi-final against Exeter Chiefs due to a calf injury. Russell, who missed the last two rounds of the regular season, was initially expected to be fit for the crucial playoff match at the Rec.

In his absence, Santiago Carreras will take the fly-half position, while the team also suffers from the unavailability of Guy Pepper, impacting Bath's back row depth. However, Tom Dunn and Quinn Roux return to the tight five after serving suspensions, with Director of Rugby Johann van Graan opting for a traditional six forwards and two backs on the bench.

Exeter Chiefs also face challenges, missing Ethan Roots, who is under return-to-play protocols following a head injury incurred against Saracens. On a positive note, Greg Fisilau returns to bolster the lineup, although Immanuel Feyi-Waboso remains sidelined after recent facial surgery.

The winner of this pivotal clash will advance to the final at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, where they will face either Northampton or Leicester, who meet in the first semi-final on Friday night.

Bath's Starting XV against Exeter Chiefs:

• 1 Beno Obano
• 2 Tom Dunn
• 3 Thomas du Toit
• 4 Quinn Roux
• 5 Charlie Ewels
• 6 Josh Bayliss
• 7 Sam Underhill
• 8 Alfie Barbeary
• 9 Ben Spencer (c)
• 10 Santi Carreras
• 11 Henry Arundell
• 12 Max Ojomoh
• 13 Ollie Lawrence
• 14 Joe Cokanasiga
• 15 Tom de Glanville

Exeter's Starting XV:

• 1 Scott Sio
• 2 Max Norey
• 3 Josh Iosefa-Scott
• 4 Dafydd Jenkins (capt.)
• 5 Andrea Zambonin
• 6 Tom Hooper
• 7 Christ Tshiunza
• 8 Greg Fisilau
• 9 Stephen Varney
• 10 Harvey Skinner
• 11 Campbell Ridl
• 12 Len Ikitau
• 13 Henry Slade
• 14 Paul Brown-Bampoe
• 15 Olly Woodburn.