ROB Baxter has warned Exeter Chiefs to prepare for a battle in the elements as they return to Premiership action against Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate on Saturday (5.30pm).

With forecasts suggesting winds of up to 40mph and rain at kick-off, the Chiefs director of rugby expects a stern examination against one of the league’s leading sides as Nika Abuladze and Olly Woodburn return to the starting line-up.

The Chiefs make the short trek up the M5 to face the Bears after last weekend’s narrow European defeat by Toulouse, with Baxter demanding his players carry the same character and commitment into their domestic campaign.

“We showed a lot of good character in last weekend’s game, but now we’ve got to move on and show at least the same level of commitment in the Prem,” he said. “This will be a completely new challenge as it’s not going to be warm and dry. It’s going to be windy and wet.

“It’ll be interesting to see how we come through the challenge in a tough away game against one of the league’s top four sides.”

Baxter believes the weather could have a major influence on the contest, but insists Chiefs cannot afford to underestimate the threat posed by a Bristol team renowned for their attacking ambition.

“A lot will depend on the type of game we get and what the weather does,” he said. “At the moment, they’re talking about winds of around 40mph and rain at kick-off, although that could change.

“Everyone knows Bristol like to play and score points. That’s a big part of their game, but statistically their set-piece, particularly their line-out, is very good. It’s not simply about throwing the ball around and playing like the Barbarians. They’re quite structured in what they do, and they do it well.”

Baxter expects the Bears to test his side in several areas, with their ability to move the ball through both forwards and backs making them a dangerous proposition.

“It will be an interesting challenge, but that’s the nature of the Premiership,” he added. “There isn’t going to be a game this season where you can rest and rotate players and still expect to see it off.

“Every game is going to be tough and competitive, and we have to turn up with that mindset.”

Abuladze returns to the starting front row alongside hooker Jack Yeandle and tighthead prop Josh Iosefa-Scott, while Woodburn is back at full-back after recovering from an ankle injury sustained against Bath in round two.

Former Bristol player Sam Wolstenholme starts at scrum-half alongside Harvey Skinner, while Ben Hammersley comes into the starting XV on the left wing following an injury concern for Tommy Wyatt.

Dafydd Jenkins captains the side from the second row alongside Tom Hooper, with Ethan Roots, Ross Vintcent and Greg Fisilau completing an unchanged back row.

Hooker Max Norey is named among the replacements as he prepares to make his first Chiefs appearance since being injured in last season’s final.

EXETER CHIEFS: Olly Woodburn; Zack Wimbush, Henry Slade, Will Butt, Ben Hammersley; Harvey Skinner, Sam Wolstenholme; Nika Abuladze, Jack Yeandle, Josh Iosefa-Scott; Tom Hooper, Dafydd Jenkins (capt); Ethan Roots, Ross Vintcent, Greg Fisilau. Replacements: Max Norey, Ethan Burger, Jimmy Roots, Harry Wilson, Kane James, Stephen Varney, Will Haydon-Wood, Sam Harris.