Gareth Steenson: Why Exeter can defy the odds and beat Northampton

Exeter legend Gareth Steenson has warned the Chiefs’ title sceptics to write Rob Baxter’s side off at your peril ahead of their Gallagher Prem Final appearance against Northampton Saints at Twickenham on Saturday afternoon.

Steenson, who is now Ireland’s women’s kicking coach and co-hosts a new podcast, The Stand Up: An Ulster Rugby Show, won two Premiership titles and scored a club record 2,630 points in 311 appearances for Exeter.

And he points out that the Chiefs were expected to lose their semi-final against reigning champions Bath last weekend, but being written off brings out the best in this side.

“I think that’s when the Chiefs are at their best, whenever people write them off, and as much as people say they have nothing to lose. I never believe that, that’s not a thing,” he said.

“You’ve got an opportunity to go and achieve something this weekend. It’s not about being fearful. And I think that’s kind of been quite a nice thing about watching Exeter this season. They look like a team that isn’t fearful.

“They’re going out there playing. They’ve obviously got a very fast-paced game, which works. So they have a lot of, a lot of tools in the armoury there that they can lean on, especially in that back three.

“Olly Woodburn’s been fantastic since he moved into fullback. And whichever wingers play, Campbell Ridl, if he’s fit, has been a really good find, but the two boys, Paul Brown-Bampoe and my favourite Manny Feyi-Waboso, have been showing where they’re at.

“I think Henry Slade has galvanised the group and led the group as an old, experienced head. Even looking at the forward pack, Tom Hooper and Greg Fisilau, they’re playing some great rugby,” he said.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

1

Wins

1

Average Points scored

31

33

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

40%

Steenson believes that the 41-24 defeat that the Chiefs suffered against Harlequins at Twickenham a month ago will stand them in good stead for their big day in the capital.

“I know the last game played in Twickenham against Quins probably wasn’t the way they wanted it to go, but it’s probably needed to reset them a bit. They’ll want to rectify that a little bit

“It was a disappointing result for them, but it’ll not be something that they’ll probably focus an awful lot on, but I’m sure they’ll probably stay in a similar hotel. Other things will feel relatively similar. The drive in, all those things.

“It won’t be a shock to some of the lads who haven’t played there before. If you look at the teams that played in the previous six finals. It became almost like they knew the way the day would work.

“I know some of them are going to be seasoned internationals, but you don’t go and play at Twickenham every day. So, it’s going to be a great occasion.”

One player who’s started to receive the plaudits for his hard work this season is Harvey Skinner, and Steenson believes that one of his former understudies is now firmly established as a front-line fly-half.

“Harvey’s been there a long time, and he’s learned his position. He had the grafts. I think there’s a type of character that Harvey is. He’s an emotional driver of the team. He’s a physical presence.

“He’s got some good players around him, and I think Dave Walder coming in has been really refreshing for Harvey, and he’s established himself as the front-line 10.

“And when you get into that position, you are the starting quarterback, which is the best way to look at things, and the team seems to be an extension of Harvey, and he is literally facilitating pulling the strings.

“I think the relationship he’s got with Stephen Varney has been really impressive. The two of them kind of feed off each other very well, and they’re just making the team tick at the minute.

“And to me, that’s what’s making him really important to the group, that he’s the perfect 10 for what Exeter need at the minute to make them play,” said Steenson.