Far and away England’s two best club sides meet in a rematch of last season’s final as Exeter and Saracens clash to decide the country’s No 1 at Twickenham on Saturday.
Exeter Chiefs v Saracens
16h00 1 June
Twickenham Stadium
To Win (80 Mins)
Exeter 2/10
Draw 30/1
Saracens 33/10
This is the third time in the last four seasons that the two have contested a final, with the occasion also marking Saracens’ sixth final appearance in the last nine campaigns.
The Chiefs finished the round robin stages on 86-points, eight ahead of second-placed Saracens who in turn were 10 clear of nearest challengers Gloucester.
The duo has been consistently dominated throughout the course of the season with no other English side able to consistently match them blow for blow. The make-up of the final was never in any real doubt, with Saracens’ 44-19 win over Gloucester and Exeter’s 42-12 result against Northampton in last week’s respective semi-finals merely academic.
If the Chiefs are to prevent the European champions from defending their domestic crown, they will have to negate the physical impact of the loose trio of Maro Itoje, Jackson Wray and big Billy Vunipola, all of whom will have a vital task in and around the tackle point.
If Exeter can control possession and play at their own pace, they will push Saracens close. This of course is easier said than done, with the defending champions so good at absorbing pressure; as evidenced by their showing in the recent Champions Cup final against Leinster.
Verdict: Saracens by six or more
It may be more heartbreak for Exeter this weekend. Saracens are at the height of their dominance and, while the Chiefs will run them close, should claim another title at the final whistle.
