DEVON DELIGHT

In the thick of the action of Twickenham, Saracens' return to HQ, though yielding a bonus point, didn't seem that spectacular at times, particularly in the first half, where, although Worcester had made no real attacking impact, they seemed to have managed an effective containment job with the score standing 6-3 at the break. Some ill-advised over-ambition by the Warriors saw them lose possession and set up field position for Jamie George's try. Saracens were now relenthless in their pressure. However, Saracens made well over twice the ground the Warriors, serving up 20 line breaks, and enjoying a perfect record at the scrum and lineout, although conceding a few penalties in the scrum, and enjoying a clear advantage in territory and possession. Underlined by the fact that Alex Lozowski and Schalk Burger both scored tries on their competitive debuts, running intelligent lines to cap close range pressure, and Sean Maitland had a hand in Ben Spencer's bonus point clinching try, as well as making more ground than anyone else, all three players slotted in effortlessly. Defensively too, although the biggest shift wasn't necessary, Sarries stuck to their task and had a tackle completion rate of over 90%. In short, a very solid and professional performance.

 

The following day, in the interests of preparation and research (?), I went to see Wasps versus Exeter Chiefs, which, with due respect to all of the other sides, was probably the eye-catching match of the weekend, given the tussles between the sides last season in the Premiership and Europe. Exeter started well, and scored within four minutes through a customary lineout maul try from Thomas Waldrom showing great resilience in the aftermath of that score as they were pinned back in their own 22 by the onrushing Wasps, but managing to keep their line intact, and were able to extend their lead still further to 10-0 as ferocious defence saw the home side repeatedly lose the ball on contact. Having absorbed the pressure, a series of crashing drives by the Chiefs appeared to have sucked in the home defence and created a golden opportunity for another try, only for Olly Woodburn's final pass to be wayward. As Saracens had forced Wasps to do on their visit to the Ricoh Arena last season, they were again pressured into kicking, even Christian Wade at one stage, or trying to go through the phases without gaining much ground, but unlike in Sarries game, their rediscovery of the running game in the second half gave them the win, as Exeter failed to close out a win which for much of the contest had appeared to be theirs. When Wasps attacked incisively in that first half, quick interplay between Guy Thompson and Dan Robson set up a try for Jimmy Gopperth, and the visitors had no answer. That said, a smooth counter attack involving Sam Hill and scrum half Will Chudley down the left hand side set up a try for the latter. Crucially, though, they couldn't retain their control of the game, only adding three more points, and effectively losing the second half 17-3.

 

That said, Exeter's lineout and scrum remained solid, and are probably on a par with Saracens. They completed 88% of their tackles, so it was far from a disasterous day, as they at least held onto the losing bonus point. From a Saracens perspective, although we know all too well that they can compete across the pitch, a fast running game, especially on the counter attack would appear likely to yield dividends, and indeed, the regular season game at Allianz Park last season followed this template. Kicking is obviously important in keeping the rolling maul away from the line as much as possible, although is risky against a backline which has been enhanced still further with the summer signing of Ollie Devoto at centre from Bath and have proven that they can attack from deep.  At other times, keeping the ball in hand and seeking quick ball may be the better option given that this was what inspired Wasps' turnaround. 

 

Looking at possible line ups, Exeter may make a couple of adjustments from the side at Coventry. Phil Dollman will probably remain at full back, with Woodburn staying on the right wing and a continued centre partnership of Devoto and Hill. James Short could come in at the left wing against his former club, with Henry Slde retained at fly half, alongside Chudley. Forwards wise, Ben Moon, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Harry Williams should continue to form the front row, although Geoff Parling could come into the second row alongside Damian Welch, and an unchanged back row of Don Armand, Julian Selvi and Waldrom. Saracens probably won't make too many changes either, with Alex Goode staying at full back, and Chris Ashton on the right wing. Duncan Taylor could come in alongside Brad Barritt at centre, and Chris Wyles returning on the left wing. Lozowski and Richard Wigglesworth should continue to form the half back combination. Into the forwards, the front row trio of Mako Vunipola, Jamie George and Petrus du Plessis should stay the same, as should Maro Itoje and George Kruis in the second row, but Michael Rhodes may slot in alongside Burger and Billy Vunipola in the back row.