Exeter Chiefs vs Saracens: Composite XV
In what may be the pick of the Gallagher Premiership fixtures to date in the season, title-hunting Exeter Chiefs host reigning champions Saracens at Sandy Park this weekend.
Saracens are undefeated this campaign in both domestic and European rugby and are currently on a 22-match streak without a loss, with their most recent defeat coming at the hands of Leinster in the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup last season. As for Exeter, they have faltered slightly of late, losing to both Harlequins and Gloucester in the last three weeks, but with home advantage and their complement of internationals now fully reintegrated following the test window, they will fancy their chances of upsetting the champions.
The two sides have represented the major forces in English rugby of late, with Saracens accounting for two Champions Cup and two Premiership titles in the last three years and Exeter the only side capable of unseating the side from north London, having lifted their first domestic title in the 2016/17 season.
We have compared the two squads and picked a composite XV, but will strength on paper reflect strength on the pitch when the two clubs do battle on Saturday?
Continue reading below…
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(* indicates RugbyPass Index score)
- Alex Goode, Saracens (86)
Phil Dollman (79) is an ultra-reliable operator for Exeter and the fact he has never been capped at international level speaks highly of Leigh Halfpenny’s consistency over the years, but there’s not too much to dispute here. Goode is in the mix for most effective full-back in the Premiership and whilst he doesn’t seem to tick the boxes for Eddie Jones, that doesn’t mean he isn’t incredibly impactful at this level. This will be fun to re-evaluate next season with Stuart Hogg arrives at Sandy Park.
- Liam Williams, Saracens (91)
A really tough call and you wouldn’t find too many arguments from us if you opted for British and Irish Lion Jack Nowell (86) instead. Williams has added another dimension to Saracens in attack, giving them two phenomenal counter-attackers when he is used in tandem with Goode, ensuring that teams have to be pinpoint in their kicking game.
- Henry Slade, Exeter Chiefs (74)
Another one that could go either way, with Alex Lozowski (85) having distinguished himself in his new position of outside centre. We have just erred on the side of Slade, due to the array of passes he has in his arsenal and his ability to create space and opportunities with the boot. Certainly not weaknesses in Lozowski’s game, either, but the Exeter man may just have a slight advantage.
- Brad Barritt, Saracens (86)
A man discarded by England far too soon? Barritt is the linchpin in the Saracens back line and consistently delivers them line-speed and decision-making in defence, as well as a source of front-foot ball when on the attack. Everything flows around him and it’s his reliability in those roles which sees him win out over the arguably more offensively talented duo of Sam Hill (82) and Ollie Devoto (82).
- Santiago Cordero, Exeter Chiefs (88)
The Argentinean has been in electric form since arriving in the south-west from the Jaguares and his footwork has left many a Premiership defender grasping at thin air. Alex Lewington (78) and Sean Maitland (84) are doing well for Saracens, but it’s impossible to ignore Cordero and his devastating attacking ability.
- Owen Farrell, Saracens (92)
Joe Simmonds (75) is a coming force and Gareth Steenson (86) has been integral to Exeter’s rise, but not much dispute to be had here. Farrell is one of the best players in the world and is in the conversation with Johnny Sexton and Beauden Barrett for accolade of premier fly-half in world rugby.
- Nic White, Exeter Chiefs (85)
You could make cases for any of Richard Wigglesworth (89), Ben Spencer (89) or Jack Maunder (73) here, but the Australian probably gives you the most balanced option and his ability to help control the territory battle with his box-kicking is a paramount skill for how both of these sides try to play the game.
- Mako Vunipola, Saracens (91)
Arguably the top loosehead prop currently playing, although the form of Ben Moon (86) recently at international at least warrants him a mention. Vunipola’s ability in the loose, specifically as a carrier, ball-handler and the conditioning he brings on defence, is second to none at the position and he has worked considerably on his scrummaging in recent years.
- Jamie George, Saracens (92)
Extremely accurate at the lineout, effective with ball in hand and another integral part of that Saracens defensive unit, this one was a relatively straightforward call. If Luke Cowan-Dickie (87) can sharpen up his throwing at the lineout or Jack Yeandle (87) can become more dynamic with ball in hand, then George’s position will come under threat.
- Vincent Koch, Saracens (90)
It’s a mark of Koch’s ability and improvements over the last couple of seasons that he sees off Juan Figallo (86), Tomas Francis (84) and Harry Williams (82) for this spot. All four are internationals and scrummage well, but Koch’s ability in the loose just gives him the edge over the other three.
- Maro Itoje, Saracens (92)
Obviously, Itoje is not available this weekend, but when fit, he is an undisputed selection in the engine room. He can wreck opposition lineouts, carries with intent and makes a nuisance of himself at the breakdown and on opposition mauls, as well as bringing the line-speed that Saracens’ gameplan is built around.
- George Kruis, Saracens (84)
This is a tougher call, with Jonny Hill (91) pushing for England, Sam Skinner (86) coming on strongly and Kruis’ teammate Nick Isiekwe (87) also making his own claim. That said, Kruis is still one of the best lineout operators in English rugby and he is one of the key defensive communicators for Saracens, with the side often looking a lot harder to break down when he is fit and in the line-up.
- Mike Rhodes, Saracens (89)
Injury issues have unfortunately held Dave Ewers (82) back and probably prevented him, thus far, making a real run at higher honours with England. Rhodes fits that Saracens system perfectly and has been a notable example of how a player in their late 20’s can continue to adapt, evolve and improve their game.
- Don Armand, Exeter Chiefs (80)
Like Goode, another player who performs to the highest standard in the Premiership but, for whatever reason, doesn’t quite tick the boxes that Jones is looking for with England. He carries excellently, impacts the breakdown and is a more than solid lineout option.
- Billy Vunipola, Saracens (85)
As impressive as Sam Simmonds (89) has been in recent seasons and the eye-catching form of Matt Kvesic (88) during this campaign, this is a spot that belongs to Vunipola. When fit, Vunipola borders on uncontainable and the positive impact he brings to both Saracens and England is hard to overestimate.
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Comments on RugbyPass
I like this, but ultimately rugby already has enough trophies. Trying to make more games “consequential" might prove to be a fools errand, although this is a less bad idea than some others. Minor quibble with the title of the article; it isn’t very meaningful to say the boks are the unofficial world champions when it would be functionally impossible for the Raeburn trophy not to be held by the world champions. There’s a period of a few months every 4 years when there is no “unofficial” world champion, and the Raeburn trophy is held by the actual world champions.
8 Go to commentsIts a great idea but one that I dont think will have a lot of traction. It will depend on the prestige that they each hold but if you can do that it would be great. When Japan beat the Boks (my team) I was absolutely devestated but I wont deny the great game they played that day. We were outclassed and it was one of the best games of rugby I have seen. Using an idea like this you might just give the the underdog teams more of an opportunity to beat the big teams and I can absolutely see it being a brilliant display of rugby. They beat us because they planned for that game. It was a great moment for Japan. This way we can remove the 4 year wait and give teams something to aim for outside of World Cup years.
8 Go to commentsHi, Dave here. Happy to answer questions 🥰
8 Go to commentsDon’t think that headline is accurate. It’s great to see Aus doing better but I’m not sure they’ve shown much threat to the top of the table. They shouldn’t be inflating wins against the lousy Highlanders and Crusaders either.
3 Go to commentsSuch a shame Roigard and Aumua picked up long term injuries, probably the two form players in the comp. Also, pretty sure Clarke Dermody isn’t their coach. Got it half right though.
3 Go to commentsOh the Aussie media, they never learn. At least Andrew Kellaway is like “Woah, yeah it’s great, but settle down there guys” having endured years of the Aussie media, fans, and often their players getting ahead of themselves only to fall flat on their faces. Have the “We'll win the Bledisloe for sure this year!” headlines started yet? It’s simple to see what’s going on. The Aussie teams are settled, they didn't lose any of their major players overseas. The Crusaders and Chiefs lost key experienced All Blacks, and Razor in the Crusaders case, and clearly neither are anywhere near as strong as last year (The Canes and Blues would probably be 3rd & 4th if they were). The Highlanders are annually average, even more so post-Aaron Smith and a big squad clean out. The two teams at the top? The two nz sides with largely the same settled roster as last year, except Ardie Savea for the Canes. They’ve both got far better coaches now too. If the Aussies are going to win the title, this is the year the kiwi sides will be weakest, so they better take their chance.
3 Go to commentsThe World Cup has to be the gold standard, line in the sand. 113 teams compete for what is the opportunity to make the pool stages, and then the knockout games for the trophy. The concept is sound. This must have been the rationale when the World Cup was created, surely? But I’m all for Looking forward and finding new ways for the SH to dominate the NH into the future. The autumn series needs a change up. Let’s start by having the NH teams come south every odd year for the Autumn/Spring series games?
8 Go to commentsWhat’ll happen when the AI models of the future go back in time and try to destroy the AI models of the past standing in their way of certain victory?
41 Go to commentsThanks, Nick. We (Seanny Maloney, Brett and I) just discussed Charlie as a potential Wallaby No 8, and wondered if he has truly realised how big he is in contact (and whether he can add 5 kg w/o slowing down). Your scouting report confirms our suspicions he has the materiel. No one knows if he has the mentality (as Johann van Graan said this week about CJ, Duane and Alfie B) to carry 10-15 times a game.
57 Go to commentsHe would be a great player for the Stormers, Dobbo should approach the guy.
3 Go to commentsGood article. A few years back when he was playing for the Cheetahs, he was a quiet standout for exactly the seasons stated here. I occasionally get to see his games in the UK, and he has become a more complete player and in many ways like an Irish player. His work ethic is so suitable to the Leinster game. I wonder if Rassie would have him listed somewhere.
3 Go to commentsResults probably skewed by the fact that a few clubs have foreign fly halves in their 30s, but most teams have young English scrum halves. Results also likely to be skewed by the fact that many teams rely on centres and fullbacks to provide depth at 10, whereas they will need to stock a large number of specialist backup 9s.
1 Go to commentsI really get the sense that when all is said and done, the path of least resistance will end up being a merger of Wasps & Worcester that essentially kills the Worcester Warriors brand and sees Wasps permanently playing at Sixways. I’m not saying that’s what should happen or what I want to happen. I just think it’s the easiest rout to take and therefore, will be what happens. Wasps will definitely return to play first, and I suppose it all depends on if they can find support at Sixways. If people turn up and support Wasps in that community, at that ground, I bet they drop the Sevenoaks plan and just remain at Sixways. Under the radar but not totally unrelated, it looks as though London Irish are going to be brought back from the dead by a German consortium and look set to return, likely to the remade Championship. It’s set to have 12 clubs next season with 14 in 2025/26, what do you want to bet those extra 2 are Wasps and London Irish?
3 Go to commentsThe shoulder is a “joint” with multiple bones. You don’t “fracture” a shoulder, you fracture any one or more of the bones that make up a shoulder.
2 Go to commentsOh dear, bones too suspect to continue?
2 Go to commentsBold headline considering the Canes and Blues are 1 and 2 and the Brumbies were soundly beaten by the Chiefs and Blues. Biggest surprise is Rebels 4 Crusaders 12 - no one saw that coming. If Aus are improving that’s great 👍
3 Go to commentsAnna, You are right, we need to have patience whilst the others catch up to England and France. Also it is the PWR that has been the game changer for England. the RFU put money into that initially at the expense of the Red Roses. I was sceptical at first but it has paid off in spades.
1 Go to commentsI think Matt Proctor became a 1 test AB in the same fixture. Cameron is quality and has been great this season, can’t believe’s he only 27. Realistically how would he not be selected for ABs squad this year. Only Dmac is ahead of him as a specialist 10. With Jordan out, it will come down to where and when Beauden Barrett slots back in, and where they want to play Ruben Love. Cameron seems an absolute lock in for the wider squad though. Added benefit of TJ-Cameron-Jordie combination at 9, 10, 11 too.
1 Go to commentsFarcical, to what end would someone want to pay to keep this thing going.
1 Go to commentsHavili, our best 12 by a mile, will be in the squad, if he stays fit. JB is the most overrated AB in the last 50 years.
61 Go to comments