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
A Springbok 2-0 win: haha told you we were champions now shut up An Irish 2-0 win: the referee was under orders from world rugby to cheat us but luckily we don’t care because this is part of Rassie’s grand world Cup plan.
99 Go to commentsI hope they didn’t pay Jones fee?
2 Go to commentsTo be fair, the teams he's had to put out are reminiscent of those available to Gatland during his horrible run at the Chiefs in late 2020. Anyway, he's only got a two year contract and Wellingtonian Tamati Ellison will be ready by then, as will a lot of talented youngsters (like the Chiefs Gatland blooded). The Crusaders are planning for the long term.
5 Go to commentsGreat to see more community spending leading to higher participation in the community. It's a long road but that's a good first step.
2 Go to commentsPoetic justice for trying to sell him to Australia as another kiwi saviour coach, not ! Deans was just as bad actually but McCaw and Carter covered up for him. That’s why they didn’t want him as All Black coach, even after Graeme Henry’s bumbling effort in 2007.
5 Go to commentsSACK HIM !
5 Go to commentsSafas are so triggered by Ireland. 3 consecutive losses, incl RWC. 8 losses out of last 12 Tests. Always excuses, of course, with Bok fans. Now Rassie with his “88%” nonsense, the Claytons Excuse is an embarrassment to Bok teams of the past when every test mattered. Their fickle mojo will be on edge for the Ireland tour. Have the referees been appointed yet ? They will need security. Have WR laid out strict guidelines for TMO’s and replays on the stadium screens ? Will the constant stoppages from Bok forwards for cramps and bootlaces be tolerated ? We’re not talking a dominant Springbok team here, they won the LOTTO Cup and they know it whether they admit it or not. The Disney doco has their fans positively fermenting internally, its going to be a nasty hangover if they get beaten on home soil. What will the excuses be then……
99 Go to commentsGreat role model.
2 Go to commentsOne significant tell, not a single Waratahs player stopped to whinge to the ref about Finau’s tackle. They got on with playing the game. Great tackle.
8 Go to commentsWouldn’t be a bad move if Ireland pulled into SA with a young side. Particularly in Pretoria. Invaluable experience getting thumped in the bosveld.
99 Go to commentsIreland. The Princess Diana of Rugby. I never cheered so much for a team as i did for the All Blacks in that QF.
99 Go to commentsWill be great to see the Leinster first XV back in action again after their cotton wool time…
1 Go to commentsLooked up Grant Constable on google and reply was doppelgänger for Ben Smith
99 Go to commentsIt is so good that we now all get excited and debate who is best and emotionally get involved. We all back our teams which is great. Up until about 15-20 years ago, NZ was basically on its own, and then Saffa, Aussie and sometimes French and English were there. We now have at least 5-6 really top sides and another 4 who keep improving. This is so healthy. So we should not resort to rubbish comments and unhealthy debate, but rather all be chuffed that the product we watch is not competitive, exciting and often uncertain. It would be so good if World Rugger could find a way to align the rules to professional players as well as spectators. Live rugby games are SO boring as there is SO much down time as we wait for refs and TMOs and whoever else to look at every small event going back endless phases with the hope of eventually find a minute infringement to then decide cancel what was a wonderful try. This is the ultimate cork back in the bottle moment and feels like every balloon is always being popped. Come on- we must be better with the rules.
99 Go to comments“upon leaving said establishment I tripped over a stool knocking some bottles into the air and as I fell I accidently dislodged a police officer’s teaser who was passing by on an unrelated matter there by landing on said taser which caused it to discharge 50,000 watts into me. Out of shock I shouted Ireland are going to win the world cup. Upon waking up I apologised for the distress caused by my Ireland comment. The matter is closed. If you wish to pursue this matter may I remind you what I told Wayne Barnes when he sent me off. I AM A BIG ASS MAN”. Or was it “I AM A BIG ASS, MAN” or was it “I AM A BIG ASSMAN”?
2 Go to commentsThe only championship the Boks hold are: Great value for the incompetence of referees during the RWC Moaning endlessly and champions of spewing utterly ignorant 💩 at all times. Displaying the dangers of a third world education End of.
99 Go to commentsSouth Africa and Rassie do a phenomenal job of treating the 4 years in between World Cups as nothing more than a training exercise to build squad depth. The Six Nations money that keeps Irish rugby afloat is unfortunately too important to allow the same approach, and basic population size means we'll never get close to matching the depth of South Africa, England and France. That being said, Irish rugby is in a relatively good place and slowly improving inch by inch. If the other three provinces can pull the finger out and actually develop some players it'd be even better.
99 Go to commentsGood on Clarke for taking on the criticism and addressing his deficiencies, principally his laziness.
2 Go to comments“It is the people’s favourite against the actual favourite. It is the people’s champions against the actual champions. I’m joking, but it’s going to be a fantastic series.” Why did Darcy make that joke knowing it would be used as click bait? Why did RP headline it as a serious comment? Anyway, the tired comment isn’t very astute. SA players may have played more games etc. Darcy over estimated as a pundit.
99 Go to commentsNot sure Frisch will ever make the French team with Depoortère and Costes waiting in the wings to take over from Danty and Fickou.
1 Go to comments