Gallagher Premiership final - Exeter Chiefs vs Saracens composite XV
After months of slogging it out in the regular season, the 2018/19 Gallagher Premiership final is finally here, pitting reigning champions Saracens against perennial contenders Exeter Chiefs.
The pair have accounted for the last four domestic titles and it was only Exeter’s efforts in 2017 that have denied Saracens a clean sweep of domestic trophies to go with their two European titles over that period. A win on Saturday would take Saracens to four Premiership and three Heineken Champions Cup wins in the past five years.
It would seem like the odds are against Exeter, but we have put together a composite XV from the two teams named by their respective clubs to see if there are reasons for optimism among the fans travelling up the M4 to Twickenham this weekend.
- Alex Goode, Saracens
From the counter-attacking to the game management, and from the intricate footwork to the pinpoint passes linking with threats on the outside, Goode is arguably the pinnacle of full-backs at the club level currently. He transitioned into a cult hero with his antics following the Champions Cup victory and another sterling display on Saturday will only add fire to the incredulity of those who believe he should be starring for England.
- Liam Williams, Saracens
Not all big-name signings work out for clubs, but Williams has fit like a glove for Saracens. He’s embraced the abrasive and defensively responsible foundations of the side, as well as adding incision, speed and finishing ability out wide. What he brings when available more than makes up for the time he misses through international duty.
- Henry Slade, Exeter Chiefs
The case of Alex Lozowski seemingly grows by the month, although Slade has been playing at a high level for a number of seasons now and has taken that ability to the international arena. Having another ball-handler and decision-maker in the midfield will be crucial for Exeter, who will be faced by aggressive line speed from Saracens.
- Ollie Devoto, Exeter Chiefs
With Brad Barritt coming off a hamstring injury in the semi-final and not trained this week, Devoto sneaks in here with his physicality and not-too-shabby technical game. If Saracens are rushing up and closing the space outside of him, Devoto is capable of taking the ball to the line himself. But if he sees the opportunity to get around the corner of that Saracens defence, he has the ability to push the ball wide and exploit them.
- Sean Maitland, Saracens
The claim of Tom O’Flaherty was certainly boosted by his excellent solo try in the semi-final, but Maitland was equally impressive at the same stage, tormenting the Gloucester defence at Allianz Park. Like Williams, he delivers all of the basics in defence and the aerial game, while also providing a bit of attacking x-factor to help swing the tight contests.
- Owen Farrell, Saracens
The crown is still Farrell’s, despite Joe Simmonds continuing to show that he can be a challenger to the throne over the coming years. Farrell’s consistency at being able to unlock defences, control territory and put pressure on with his line speed and tackling separates himself from the chasing pack of fly-halves in English rugby.
- Ben Spencer, Saracens
It’s a mark of the leap that Spencer has made over the last 18 months that he is keeping a player of the calibre of Nic White calibre out of this XV. He is capable of influencing the game in a number of different ways and that will often be tailored towards what opposition sides are showing him. He has the speed to take the gaps, his passing is strong off both hands, he can measure his box kicks expertly and he puts in as much work and effort as a support-runner as anyone in the game.
- Ben Moon, Exeter Chiefs
The loss of Mako Vunipola hurts Saracens and although Richard Barrington is a very able deputy, you feel like the balance of power here – and in the scrum in general – leans slightly towards Exeter and Moon. With the general consensus that Saracens are the slightly better team in most facets, the scrum could become a very valuable area for Exeter to try and exploit if Moon can get an early edge on opposite number Vincent Koch.
- Jamie George, Saracens
Jack Yeandle deserves nothing but praise for his consistency in the south-west over the last few seasons, but George is the standard bearer at the position in English rugby. He gives his side the physicality and discipline in the tight that they need, very rarely fails to hit his jumper at the lineout, and can thrive in Saracens’ attacking game as a potent ball-handler and carrier.
- Harry Williams, Exeter Chiefs
Just as with Moon, Williams will fancy his chances of getting an edge on Saracens at the scrum, although Barrington is an adept set-piece player himself. Williams’ carries close to the ruck will be important for Exeter, too, with Saracens occasionally vulnerable there, particularly with carries through the breakdown, due to their desire to keep players on their feet and fanning wide.
- Will Skelton, Saracens
Skelton wins the all-Australian contest with Dave Dennis here and that’s a mark of how far he has come with his conditioning and the consistency of his displays. Dennis is a very influential player for Exeter, but with Skelton carrying and tackling the way he has been for Saracens, he has to get the nod here. Talk of an Australia recall only go to emphasise that.
- George Kruis, Saracens
Two very similar players, Kruis and Jonny Hill provide underrated impact on their sides. The reliability as lineout targets, the tackling and breakdown work in the tight and the ability to pick up a metre or two on a carry when the defence is set, although we have leant narrowly towards Kruis due to his form in doing this at club and international level for several seasons now.
- Maro Itoje, Saracens
Whether at four, five or six, Itoje is featuring in this XV. His set-piece work, his dynamism in the loose as a ball-carrier and bringing line speed, and his physical work at the contact area all set him apart from players all over the world, not just in England. His leadership and the energy he brings to his team-mates shouldn’t go under the radar, either.
- Don Armand, Exeter Chiefs
It’s not been quite the dominant season for Armand in 2018/19 that he enjoyed in 2017/18, but he is still a multi-faceted back rower who is capable of hurting Saracens in a number of different ways. He provides Exeter with a source of front-foot ball through his carrying and he also helps them pick up the slack at the breakdown and is a talented third lineout option.
- Billy Vunipola, Saracens
Not too many players would be ahead of Matt Kvesic right now, such has been the season the former Gloucester man has had for Exeter, but Vunipola has been in rampant form for Saracens of late. He has done his best to bury his recent controversies off the field with his play on it and he was one of the major difference-makers for Saracens in their European final against Leinster.
WATCH: The new episode of Don’t Mess with Jim sees former Saracens player Hamilton preview the Gallagher Premiership final
Comments on RugbyPass
Why cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
3 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
30 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
3 Go to commentsI don't know how the locals feel about that? I guess if you call yourselves the Worcester Wasps that might be appease. But really we need more teams in the Premiership in my view so they are not padding it out as they are at the moment. It might curtail so many players going abroad as well
5 Go to commentsNZ 😭😭😭is certainly rivaling England for best whingers cup!😭😭😭 !!!
30 Go to commentsYup. New Zealand won 3 out of 10 world cups played. SA 4 out of 8 attempts 30 Vs 50 per cent.🤔🤔
30 Go to commentsShould've done this years ago. Change Saturday kick off times to around 11am. Up and off and back home before 3pm, limit travel time too. Allows players to actually do something else with their Saturday that's family oriented or being rugby fans they could ‘watch’ pro rugby. Increases crowds etc. How can anyone that enjoys grassroots and pro rugby have to choose between the two on Saturdays?
9 Go to commentsI bet he inspired those supporters just as much.
1 Go to commentsBen Smith Springboks living rent free in his head 😊😂
67 Go to commentsGood to hear he would like to play the game at the highest level, I hadn’t been to sure how much of a motivator that was before now. Sadly he’s probably chosen the rugby club to go to. Try not to worry about all the input about how you should play rugby Joey and just try to emulate what you do on the league field and have fun. You’ll limit your game too much (well not really because he’s a standard athlete like SBW and he’ll still have enough) if you’re trying to make sure you can recycle the ball back etc. On the other hard, you can totally just try and recycle by looking to offload any and everywhere if you’re going to ground 😋
1 Go to commentsThis just proves that theres always a stat and a metric to use to justify your abilities and your success. Ben did it last week by creating an imaginary competition and now you did the same to counter his argument and espouse a new yardstick for success. Why not just use the current one and lets say the Boks have won 4 world cups making them the most successful world cup team. Outside of the world cup the All Blacks are the most successful team winning countless rugby championships and dominating the rankings with high win percentages. Over the last 4 years statistically the Irish are the best having the highest win rate and also having positive records against every tier 1 side. The most successful Northern team in the game has been England with a world cup title and the most six nations titles in history. The AB’s are the most dominant team in history with the highest win rate and 3 world cups. Lets not try to reinvent the wheel. Just be honest about the actual stats and what each team has been good at doing and that will be enough to define their level of success.
30 Go to comments