Exeter Chiefs player ratings vs Saracens | 2025/26 Gallagher PREM

Exeter Chiefs player ratings: Exeter Chiefs are back in the play-offs, coming hot on the heels of their worst-ever season, which saw them finish ninth and end Mark McCall’s 17-year Saracens career in the process.

They were outplayed in the first half, when Saracens didn’t give them time to breathe, but with the outstanding Henry Slade pulling the strings, they took control in the second half and ran out comfortable 32-12 winners. Here’s how the players rated:

15. Olly Woodburn – 6
The veteran full-back has enjoyed an outstanding season and did not let being charged down by Bracken early on affect him, and linked up with Ridl to set up Slade for a brilliant try.

14. Paul Brown-Bampoe – 6
Replaced Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and came up against Segun and helped Slade deny his opposite number a first-half try, and continues to grow with every game.

13. Henry Slade – 9
The PREM’s leading point scorer wore a headband to protect a cauliflower ear, saved a try with a brilliant tackle on Segun, and pulled the strings, scoring a fantastic second-half try. A big game requires big game players.

12. Len Ikitau – 8
A class performer caused problems with his tricky running, looked very sharp, linked up well with Slade to rule the midfield, and didn’t allow a painful blow to the ribs to dent his performance.

11. Campbell Ridl – 5.5
A young player with a massive future ahead of him posed a threat with his running, and he came infield looking for the ball and ran off with what looked to be a knee injury.

10. Harvey Skinner – 6
Making his 24th successive PREM start, he showed some early nerves, misjudging a drop-out, leading to Saracens’ first try, but was not afraid of driving into the line and played with real confidence when his side were flying.

9. Stephen Varney – 6
Brought a level of ability and calmness since he arrived in Devon, but couldn’t come to terms with the conditions in the first half, showed superb dribbling skills to score the try and booked their semi-final place.

1. Scott Sio – 5
Bid farewell to Sandy Park with an industrious display before his summer move to Cardiff, he was left standing by Burke and gave away a penalty under pressure in the scrum.

2. Max Norey – 5
Very inexperienced but gets the nod over Dweba because of his throwing, which was awful as he struggled with the swirling wind, untidy from his first line-out and also sent out a hospital pass to Ikitau but scored a vital try.

3. Josh Iosefa-Scott – 5
Shortlisted for the PREM Player of the Month after a fantastic run of form, but probably wasn’t at his best, especially in the first half when his side were under the cosh.

4. Dafydd Jenkins – 6
Struggled with knocks all week and found himself on the fringes of the game for long periods as a result, but grew into the game and made some decent carries when he got up and running.

5. Andrea Zambonin – 6
The Italian international has made a seismic impact since arriving at the club last summer. Normally, the Chiefs’ most dangerous line-out operator, and he suffered because of Norey’s lack of accuracy but scored a try, giving his side daylight.

6. Tom Hooper – 7.5
The big Australian has been another piece of astute business in the transfer market, and he gave everything he had defensively and picked up the ball in attack with glee.

7. Christ Tshiunza – 6.5
Has missed most of the season with foot injuries, and EQP regulations are forcing him to Sale, but he is a decent operator and disrupted the Saracens line-out and will be missed when he goes north.

8. Ethan Roots – 5
A willing worker who pinched a ball in dangerous situations, while his quick hands sent Norey over for a crucial try before he left the pitch early in the second half.

Replacements:

16. Joseph Dweba – 3
Came on for Norey after 62 minutes and immediately made an impact, winning a penalty, but his throwing is a problem.

17. Ethan Burger – 5
Had the luxury of coming on when the Chiefs were on fire and did what was asked of him.

18. Bachuki Tchumbadze – 5
It is difficult to come in off the bench in the closing stages and have an impact.

19. Rusi Tuima – NA
Came on for skipper Jenkins in the final eight minutes.

20. Kane James – 5.5
Replaced Roots early in the second half, rolled up his sleeves, making a couple of useful carries.

21. Tom Cairns – N/A
Not used

22. Zack Wimbush – N/A
Only came on with six minutes to play, not enough to rate.

23. Ben Hammersley – N/A
Not used.