Exeter make two changes to the pack for tonight’s Premiership game at Sale (1945ko).

The reigning champions seek to get back on track and return to the summit following last Saturday’s surprise 13-12 home defeat by Northampton.

Sean Lonsdale makes his first start of the season in place of Will Witty in the second row.

Fit-again South African forward Jacques Vermeulen also makes his seasonal bow having recovered from shoulder surgery. He replaces Richard Capstick at open-side flanker.

Joe Simmonds returns at fly-half, Facundo Cordero wings back in with Josh Hodge switching to full-back as Stuart Hogg is on international duty with Scotland.

On the bench, there is a welcome return to the fold for prop Ben Moon, while Stu Townsend is included as scrum-half replacement.

Chiefs starting 15 Josh Hodge 14 Facundo Cordero 13 Ian Whitten 12 Ollie Devoto 11 Tom O’Flaherty 10 Joe Simmonds 9 Jack Maunder 1 Alec Hepburn 2 Jack Yeandle (capt) 3 Harry Williams 4 Sean Lonsdale 5 Sam Skinner 6 Dave Ewers 7 Jacques Vermeulen 8 Sam Simmonds

16 Jack Innard 17 Ben Moon 18 Marcus Street 19 Don Armand 20 Richard Capstick 21 Stu Townsend 22 Harvey Skinner 23 Tom Hendrickson