AND FINALLY....

Saracens have had the better of the meetings between the sides this season, winning in Devon during the Six Nations to end the hosts' long unbeaten run, and serving up one of their most free-flowing displays of the campaign when returned to full strength, as they won 36-18 with a fine display of purpose and energy which yielded five tries in all for Alex Goode, Billy Vunipola, Owen Farrell, Jackson Wray and Chris Wyles. In the aftermath, the Chiefs had a mixed end to the season, but still did enough to retain second spot in the table, and collect the vital home semi-final tie when Wasps appeared poised to grab it. They bounced back effortlessly from their NW4 disappointment by claiming a 50-12 home success over Worcester Warriors which neatly showcased the array of options in their attack. For the pack, Thomas Waldrom collected a hat trick, as Ollie Atkins got another, whilst for the backs, Olly Woodburn served up a treble and ex Saracens James Short got the other. With Jack Nowell, Henry Slade and Golden Boot winner Gareth Steenson, that is some back line. 

 

That they are at Twickenham at all this Saturdays speaks volumes for their spirit. Handed a European Quarter Final at Wasps, they led 14-6 at the break through a pair of late Waldrom tries, and, as the better side after the break, remained in the lead until Jimmy Gopperth's last gasp conversion won the match 25-24. The season might have threatened to unravel when they were blunted 16-9 at Gloucester in a forward-dominated match which was 0-0 at the break in poor conditions. However, a trio of stirring displays have put them in good heart going into the final. What was effectively a home semi-final decider saw a rematch with Wasps in Devon and a supreme defensive effort saw the Coventry side restricted to just the three points, but Exeter only led by 7-3 at the break as forward power combined with assured finishing by Woodburn gave them the slender advantage, and similar flowing play yielded a second try for Phil Dollman. Nowell capped it with a third late on. Harlequins, on the last day, despite the hosts' modest season, seemed a tough assignment if second was to be secured, but with the pressure on, the Chiefs flourished, as they helped themselves to ten tries in all, including a Nowell hat trick Wasps were again the visitors for the semi, and Exeter nudged to a 20-14 interval lead through Ian Whitten and a penalty try. Patient play produced a third try for Dave Ewers, abut, when Wasps narrowed their advantage to four, it was about seeing out the game, which they did comfortably this time, 34-23, thanks to a penalty try.

 

The semi-finals made an intriguing contrast, then. Saracens played with a ruthless efficiency in scoring their five tries, despite a relatively modest tackle success rate by their standards, and, proving beyond doubt that incisiveness and cool-headedness trumps having more possession. Rotation having served its purpose admirably earlier in the campaign, the first choice line up looks sharp and well able to retain the Premiership prize, as continuity benefits the execution of the already solid game plan. Farrell may miss out through injury, but, in a game in which tactical kicking will be essential, Charlie Hodgson would be perfect in this scenario, as he looks to reprise his 2006 and 2015 wins at HQ. But even more important in this match is to maintain discipline, as the lineout and rolling maul which has led to a stream of Waldrom tries is a very real threat, so Saracens will look to avoid mistakes in their own half and giving away penalties, which they have managed to do well up to this stage. That said, they face a side far more comfortable in its style of play than Leicester, whilst able to adapt more freely to how the game unfolds in front of them, not least securing a bonus point in that closing pool game against the Ospreys.

 

Yet again, Saracens would seem likely to go for a largely unchanged line up. Alex Goode at full back, Chris Ashton and Chris Wyles on the wings, and Duncan Taylor teaming up with Brad Barritt in the centres. Hodgson is primed to step in, reprising that half back combination of Sale's Premiership win ten years ago. Mako Vunipola, Jamie George and Petrus du Plessis should be the front row, Maro Itoje and George Kruis as usual in the second row, and the back row trio of Michael Rhodes, Will Fraser and Billy Vunipola. For Exeter, they should pesumnably keep faith with the side who beat Wasps. That would see Phil Dollman at full back, with Jack Nowell and Woodburn on the wings, outside a centre partnership of Ian Whitten and Henry Slade. Steenson would be at fly half, but at the time of writing, the result of Will Chudley's citing was not confirmed, so Dave Lewis could come in at scrum half. Forwards-wise, the front row should consist of Ben Moon, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Harry Williams, with a second row duo of Mitch Lees and Geoff Parling, and a back row of Ewers, Julian Salvi and Waldrom.

 

So two sides looking to complete an epic journey: potential double winners against a side looking to travel from the second tier to the very summit of the game in just six years. Are you ready to go again? (I've not said anything about England selections, we've got the whole summer to discuss those!)