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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- 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
The game was a quarter final, not a semi final. Barrett will be here for 6 months, he is no one's replacement at 13. That mantle will most likely ultimately go to Jamie Osborne, though Garry Ringrose has at least 4 more years in him. The long term problem position (in the next 3 years) for Leinster is tighthead prop, though there are a couple of prospects at schools level.
21 Go to commentsSo much for all that hype surrounding the ‘revival’ of Aussie rugby. The Blues were without the likes of regular starters Perofeta, Sullivan, Christie etc… This was a capitulation of the highest order by Australia’s finest. Joe Schmidt definitely has his work cut out for him.
2 Go to commentsYes they can ignore Sotutu. Like Akira Ioane plays OK at Super level but gets lost in tests. Too many chances too many failures.
2 Go to commentsA wallaby front-row of Bell, Blake and Tupou…now that would be hefty
1 Go to comments“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
11 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
10 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
11 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
25 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
10 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
37 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
37 Go to comments