THE Cherry and Whites may well be a Goliath of the Premiership – and tomorrow they're up against David.

Gloucester Rugby are heading to Exeter Chiefs for the Devon club's first ever top-flight match in one of the opening day's most anticipated clashes.

The contrast between the two clubs is nothing short of immense, with the magnificent history and backing of the Kingsholm club juxtaposed against a team which has yet to experience the top division.

Exeter were formed two years earlier than Gloucester in 1871, but never won a significant honour until securing promotion last season, beating Bristol in a play-off game.

Long-standing Exeter supporter Rob Lane, 58, of Kenton, said: "I am nervous, optimistic, excited — all sorts of emotions really.

"I will actually only believe it is real once we run out on Saturday. The reality will only strike home at 2.59pm.

"I think we will be OK and finish 10th. We won't score a lot of tries but our pack is good enough to put us in a position where we can kick the points we need to get a result.

"We are all in a bullish mood and bring it on is what I say.

"From what I saw last season I did not think we were that far off Premiership sides and we have improved the squad with some good acquisitions."

Previously, the club had reached the final of the EDF Energy Shield four times – but lost on every occasion.

Gloucester have won the national knockout cup three times, in 1972, 1978 and in 2003, and finished top of the Premiership table on three occasions.

The Chiefs' most-capped player is Junior Poluleuligaga, who has played for Samoa on 16 occasions.

But for Gloucester, Mike Tindall, a World Cup winner with England, leads the way with 63 international caps.

Gloucester are taking around 700 fans to the game, which is sold out.

Gloucester fan Bob Rumble said: "I went to the Bristol against Exeter playoff, and the Chiefs fans are certainly a lively bunch, especially those in Indian head-dresses, who chanted throughout the game and banged hand drums.

"Their liveliness should contribute to the atmosphere as we are not exactly known for being shrinking violets."

He added: "We have already got more than 200 people going down to the game on the official coaches, which is a record for us.

"It shows how much people are looking forward to this game."