EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
photo by Daniel Davis
By The Saracens
April 21 2022
This bitty season continues: after 2 weeks of European Rugby, we now have 2 weeks back in the Premiership before another 1 or 2 weeks of European Rugby! This Sunday sees the visit of Exeter Chiefs. How things change, not so long ago Exeter were everyone’s favourite 2nd team (according to our End of Season Poll), right now I suspect that is no longer true! For once the 2 teams meet outside of any international windows and therefore there is the unusual prospect of 2 teams close to full strength.
Saracens are on a bit of a roll. If one excludes the Premiership Cup games, Sarries haven’t lost since they were narrowly beaten by Irish away in mid February. Since then Sarries have knocked up 4 League wins and 2 Cup wins without ever really playing well or getting out of 3rd gear. There is a feeling that if the team ever manage to click, we could see something special. IF! We have been waiting some time for it to happen, now would be a very good time.
Sarries travelled down to Sandy Park in early December and were narrowly beaten (on the scorecard at least) by the home side. It was a game which highlighted one of Sarries’ main challenges this season: indiscipline. Specifically backchat. Referee Luke Pearce (rightly in my opinion) was having none of it. I hope Saracens have finally learned. That was an ill-tempered game resulting in a brawl. Hopefully tempers have cooled somewhat.
Looking at the state of play, Sarries (in 2nd) are 10 points clear of Exeter (in 4th) with a game in hand. Perhaps more to the point, Exeter could easily be caught both by Northampton, and almost certainly by Gloucester (who are incredibly still awaiting the outcome of their COVID cancellation against Worcester from which one would imagine they will get at least 4 and probably 5 points putting them right on Exeter’s tail with a game in hand). (STOP PRESS: it looks like Gloucester have finally been awarded the 5 match points!) Sarries have one foot and a pair of socks in the semi-finals already whereas Exeter have work to do. In short, defeat for Sarries would not be fatal, for Exeter it probably would. Playing under pressure does different things to different teams. Sarries have generally thrived on it, Exeter have sometimes struggled. Of course there is the haunting memory of that famous Premiership Final from 2019 when Exeter thought they had finally overcome their nemesis, only for Saracens to tease and toy with their opponents, then break their hearts with a devastating last quarter.
So what will Sunday bring? There should be no lack of passion or motivation from either side. Saracens have most of their first choice 15 available with only Mako and Riccioni unavailable. Chiefs are likely to be without Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ollie Devoto and Jack Nowell (not that he would be risked on our nasty plastic pitch) and Sam Simmonds has been struggling with a hip injury. Exeter have had 2 tough games against Munster whereas Sarries have been able to amble along comfortably enough in the Challenge Cup whilst resting some of their big names ready for the final push.
Exeter really have no choice but to field their strongest available team so probably very similar to the one which lost to Munster:
Hogg, Woodburn, Slade, Whitten, O’Flaherty, Simmons, Maunder; Hepburn, Yeandle, Williams, Gray, Skinner, Ewers, Kirsten, Vermulen.
Saracens on the other hand have the luxury of picking from a rested squad, raring to go. I’m sure we’ll see M & M (Malins & Maitland) again as they looked fabulous last weekend but I expect MMc to go back to Loz and Tompkins in the centres. The front row should be back to (almost) full strength although Mawi is certainly making a case for starting. There are riches in the locks and back row: I’d probably go for Maro and Isiekwe and then Christie/Earl/Billy but Theo is really pushing for a start and Swinson never lets anyone down. So maybe:
Goode, Maitland, Lozowski, Tompkins, Malins, Farrell, Davies; Barrington, George, Koch, Itoje, Isiekwe, Christie, Earl, B Vunipola.
The home team tends to prevail in this fixture, so Sarries need to make home advantage count. If they can keep their discipline, if they can put it together, if they can do what they do well…..
If they can fill the unforgiving minute(s)
With 60 seconds worth of distance run
Theirs is the League and everything that’s in it
And, what is more, they’ll probably have won!
Craig Maxwell-Keys has the whistle assisted by Jack Makepeace and Gareth Holsgrove with Rowan Kitt in the TV truck.
EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: TheSaracens.com (IP Logged)
Date: 21/04/2022 17:30
Please use this thread for all your comments about the forthcoming game, team selection and match thread
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2022:05:02:10:18:31 by Darraghgirl.
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2022:05:02:10:18:31 by Darraghgirl.
Re: IF - EAST MEETS WEST
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 22/04/2022 17:27
Excellent preview. Very close with the team too. Mawi with a deserved start and although it's mentioned that Maro might have picked up a knock I wonder if he was ever down to play this game as last weeks inclusion against Cardiff seemed an odd choice. Hopefully Lozo earning a well deserved rest rather than injured.
First game I've been able to get to this season so looking forward to catching up with old friends and hopefully witnessing an excellent Sarries performance on a wonderful sunny day.
First game I've been able to get to this season so looking forward to catching up with old friends and hopefully witnessing an excellent Sarries performance on a wonderful sunny day.
Re: IF - EAST MEETS WEST
Posted by: myleftboot (IP Logged)
Date: 22/04/2022 18:31
Slade at 10 is quite the roll of the dice. Head to head with a fired up Farrell could be messy
Re: IF - EAST MEETS WEST
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 22/04/2022 19:14
We just need to take Slades space. Don't need to try and dominate him with hits (and risk they're not legal)
Sup for Chiefs
Posted by: Maroon Tyke (IP Logged)
Date: 22/04/2022 12:05
1 Eroni Mawi
2 Jamie George
3 Vincent Koch
4 Nick Isiekwe
5 Tim Swinson
6 Theo McFarland
7 Ben Earl
8 Billy Vunipola
9 Aled Davies
10 Owen Farrell (c)
11 Sean Maitland
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Elliot Daly
14 Max Malins
15 Alex Goode
Replacements:
16 Kapeli Pifeleti
17 Richard Barrington
18 Alec Clarey
19 Jackson Wray
20 Andy Christie
21 Ivan van Zyl
22 Duncan Taylor
23 Alex Lewington
Maro Itoje picked up a minor knee injury in the win over Cardiff
You can take the man out of Yorkshire but you can't take Yorkshire out of the man.
2 Jamie George
3 Vincent Koch
4 Nick Isiekwe
5 Tim Swinson
6 Theo McFarland
7 Ben Earl
8 Billy Vunipola
9 Aled Davies
10 Owen Farrell (c)
11 Sean Maitland
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Elliot Daly
14 Max Malins
15 Alex Goode
Replacements:
16 Kapeli Pifeleti
17 Richard Barrington
18 Alec Clarey
19 Jackson Wray
20 Andy Christie
21 Ivan van Zyl
22 Duncan Taylor
23 Alex Lewington
Maro Itoje picked up a minor knee injury in the win over Cardiff
You can take the man out of Yorkshire but you can't take Yorkshire out of the man.
Team for Exeter
Posted by: tpr's headmistress (IP Logged)
Date: 22/04/2022 12:03
1 Eroni Mawi
2 Jamie George
3 Vincent Koch
4 Nick Isiekwe
5 Tim Swinson
6 Theo McFarland
7 Ben Earl
8 Billy Vunipola
9 Aled Davies
10 Owen Farrell (c)
11 Sean Maitland
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Elliot Daly
14 Max Malins
15 Alex Goode
Replacements:
16 Kapeli Pifeleti
17 Richard Barrington
18 Alec Clarey
19 Jackson Wray
20 Andy Christie
21 Ivan van Zyl
22 Duncan Taylor
23 Alex Lewington
2 Jamie George
3 Vincent Koch
4 Nick Isiekwe
5 Tim Swinson
6 Theo McFarland
7 Ben Earl
8 Billy Vunipola
9 Aled Davies
10 Owen Farrell (c)
11 Sean Maitland
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Elliot Daly
14 Max Malins
15 Alex Goode
Replacements:
16 Kapeli Pifeleti
17 Richard Barrington
18 Alec Clarey
19 Jackson Wray
20 Andy Christie
21 Ivan van Zyl
22 Duncan Taylor
23 Alex Lewington
Re: Team for Exeter
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 22/04/2022 12:07
Are Maro and Loz injured? Big game for Theo to be trusted with starting but he’s been playing well and deserves it for my money..
Looking forward to this one!
Looking forward to this one!
Re: Team for Exeter
Posted by: tpr's headmistress (IP Logged)
Date: 22/04/2022 12:10
Maro picked up a knee niggle against Cardiff . I wondered what's happened to Lozowski too
Re: Team for Exeter
Posted by: Bracklesham Bay (IP Logged)
Date: 22/04/2022 12:15
Exeter Chiefs
15 Stuart Hogg
14 Olly Woodburn
13 Ian Whitten
12 Tom Hendrickson
11 Tom O’Flaherty
10 Henry Slade
9 Sam Maunder
1 Alec Hepburn
2 Jack Yeandle
3 Marcus Street
4 Jonny Gray
5 Sam Skinner
6 Jannes Kirsten
7 Richard Capstick
8 Jacques Vermeulen
Replacements
16 Jack Innard
17 Billy Keast
18 Patrick Schickerling
19 Daffyd Jenkins
20 Santiago Grondona
21 Stu Townsend
22 Joe Simmonds
23 Josh Hodge
15 Stuart Hogg
14 Olly Woodburn
13 Ian Whitten
12 Tom Hendrickson
11 Tom O’Flaherty
10 Henry Slade
9 Sam Maunder
1 Alec Hepburn
2 Jack Yeandle
3 Marcus Street
4 Jonny Gray
5 Sam Skinner
6 Jannes Kirsten
7 Richard Capstick
8 Jacques Vermeulen
Replacements
16 Jack Innard
17 Billy Keast
18 Patrick Schickerling
19 Daffyd Jenkins
20 Santiago Grondona
21 Stu Townsend
22 Joe Simmonds
23 Josh Hodge
Re: Team for Exeter
Posted by: The Bard (IP Logged)
Date: 22/04/2022 12:15
Presumably Woolfie injured too?
Re: Team for Exeter
Posted by: TommyKentish (IP Logged)
Date: 22/04/2022 12:22
Wolfy got a head knock against Brive and has previous concussion issues, so it may be a while for him to come back unfortunately.
Re: Sup for Chiefs
Posted by: Surbiton Sarries (IP Logged)
Date: 22/04/2022 14:44
Saracens v Exeter Chiefs
Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys
ARs: Jack Makepeace & Gareth Holsgrove
TMO: Rowan Kitt
Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys
ARs: Jack Makepeace & Gareth Holsgrove
TMO: Rowan Kitt
Re: Sup for Chiefs
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 22/04/2022 17:39
Interesting selections for both sides.
Baxter is a clever coach and usually he'd want to deny Sarries as much as possible by sending a hybrid A/B team so if we win it was against that and if we lose it's a major result. I'm not sure he has that freedom this game which suggests to he's given up on top4 (unlikely) or all is not well at Chiefs. Like last season with his call to bench Hogg you have to respect him making a big call like starting Slade at 10. Not so much for replacing Simmonds but from removing Slade from the midfield. Don't kick the ball to Hogg and that looks like a backs division with little deception. No Ewers is massive too maybe the closest they have to us missing Maro although arguably LCD is probably the player they miss most right now.
Hopefully Lozo rested as there's no way he isn't our best 13 and I suspect the defence down that channel to be very important. Feeling very positive about the game now and hoping that cards (for either team) don't decide the result.
Baxter is a clever coach and usually he'd want to deny Sarries as much as possible by sending a hybrid A/B team so if we win it was against that and if we lose it's a major result. I'm not sure he has that freedom this game which suggests to he's given up on top4 (unlikely) or all is not well at Chiefs. Like last season with his call to bench Hogg you have to respect him making a big call like starting Slade at 10. Not so much for replacing Simmonds but from removing Slade from the midfield. Don't kick the ball to Hogg and that looks like a backs division with little deception. No Ewers is massive too maybe the closest they have to us missing Maro although arguably LCD is probably the player they miss most right now.
Hopefully Lozo rested as there's no way he isn't our best 13 and I suspect the defence down that channel to be very important. Feeling very positive about the game now and hoping that cards (for either team) don't decide the result.
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 23/04/2022 17:18
Great game between Quins and Tigers. I think both teams will be quite happy. Borthwick got to try his strongest bench and see if that worked as a tactic and probably found it didn't and Quins put in a really great performance and will be frustrated that they definitely left at least a couple out there.
Looking forward to a similar statement performance from Sarries tomorrow to put some pressure on Tigers and give a breathing space from the chasing pack. COYS!!
Looking forward to a similar statement performance from Sarries tomorrow to put some pressure on Tigers and give a breathing space from the chasing pack. COYS!!
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: ninjafez (IP Logged)
Date: 23/04/2022 17:57
Well tomorrow is a must win now, need to keep quin's at arm's length if we want that home semi...
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: AP (IP Logged)
Date: 23/04/2022 21:41
Interesting, Quins now have Saints, Gloucester and Exeter while we have Exeter, Worcester , Saints and Gloucester. Some potential kingmakers out there!
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 09:29
Good piece with Earl in TRP in which he says: "The best team I have played against this year was the Chiefs at Sandy Park. They were well oiled and had a plan"
Also talks about rarely having the full squad available this season (tbf which teams have?) and that they're been a bit over eager at times.
Talks well about handling the disappointment of dropping off the England radar and praises the work done by/with Calum Clarke re the "mental side" of the game.
An article about Chiefs focuses on Vermuelen with some interesting comments from Baxter about him being a player who is there "for the long term and is playing like a guy who wants to take this club somewhere" Am I reading too much into that that there's an inference he feels some of his team aren't of the same disposition?
Talks about needing to switch on but is obviously revelling in being under-dogs and having the chance to prove the doubters wrong.
Vermuelen suggests despite Tigers excellent season we might be the team to beat because of Sarries experience in Finals.
So, TRP read. Off for breakfast and a walk over the heath then off to StoneX. Safe journeys to all including those travelling from the West Country. Here's hoping for a great performance and a win
Also talks about rarely having the full squad available this season (tbf which teams have?) and that they're been a bit over eager at times.
Talks well about handling the disappointment of dropping off the England radar and praises the work done by/with Calum Clarke re the "mental side" of the game.
An article about Chiefs focuses on Vermuelen with some interesting comments from Baxter about him being a player who is there "for the long term and is playing like a guy who wants to take this club somewhere" Am I reading too much into that that there's an inference he feels some of his team aren't of the same disposition?
Talks about needing to switch on but is obviously revelling in being under-dogs and having the chance to prove the doubters wrong.
Vermuelen suggests despite Tigers excellent season we might be the team to beat because of Sarries experience in Finals.
So, TRP read. Off for breakfast and a walk over the heath then off to StoneX. Safe journeys to all including those travelling from the West Country. Here's hoping for a great performance and a win
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: ninjafez (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 09:47
As per other thread Thameslink users need to be aware of the new disruption this morning.. [www.thameslinkrailway.com]
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: ComeOnSarries (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 10:18
In a world gone absolutely crazy I am really looking forward to my outing this afternoon to StoneX to watch two strong teams battle it out in what is a meaningful game for both teams.
It seems a long while since I have seen a strong Exeter side at our ground as quite often these games seem to have clashed with international windows.
Here’s to a cracking game and hopefully a Sarries victory to savour. Safe travels everyone.
It seems a long while since I have seen a strong Exeter side at our ground as quite often these games seem to have clashed with international windows.
Here’s to a cracking game and hopefully a Sarries victory to savour. Safe travels everyone.
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: nicsue (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 12:03
Let's hope that the officials have a good game too.
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: GazzaFez (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 15:51
Small mistakes costing us so far; the two penalty kicks to touch missed and Davies's knock on in our 22 in particular. Elliott Daly's try was top drawer though.
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: Banzai1314 (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 16:24
Tackling optional today
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: GazzaFez (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 16:58
Now that's what I call a gritty second half. The TBP was really icing on the cake after looking so unlikely at half time. Roti Segun is turning into one hell of a player. Great afternoon and a great result.
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: ninjafez (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 17:03
Great result, and even better, I can rewatch a non bt sport replay later
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:24:18:50:26 by ninjafez.
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:24:18:50:26 by ninjafez.
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: ComeOnSarries (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 19:46
Game of two halves. Very below par performance in the first half, really lacking energy and missing too many tackles. We were lucky only to be 5 points down at half time.
Presumably a rollicking at half time and there was an immediate step up in intensity in the 2nd half with a dominant performance and 28 unanswered points before Exeter got a consolation score.
Very pleased to get 5 points and give Exeter 0 points and all this without the likes of Mako, Maro, Alex and Max. Thought Farrell exercised his authority pretty well in the 2nd half and thought Eroni and Theo made useful contributions. Hope Billy isn’t badly injured as we needed his go forward on a number of occasions.
Presumably a rollicking at half time and there was an immediate step up in intensity in the 2nd half with a dominant performance and 28 unanswered points before Exeter got a consolation score.
Very pleased to get 5 points and give Exeter 0 points and all this without the likes of Mako, Maro, Alex and Max. Thought Farrell exercised his authority pretty well in the 2nd half and thought Eroni and Theo made useful contributions. Hope Billy isn’t badly injured as we needed his go forward on a number of occasions.
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 20:15
Quote:ninjafez
Great result, and even better, I can rewatch a non bt sport replay later
Just finished watching it after getting home from StoneX. Be warned anyone who recorded the BT coverage the video is of a rugby game but for some reason the audio is from the Muppet Show.
I guess it being Sunday and travel issues made getting to StoneX unrealistic for some which is a shame as it would have been great to have been fully rocking. That said I thought the crowd was in good cheer and it was a good game.
The major impression I got from today was a huge improvement in our discipline and Farrells communication with the referee was exceptional. he kept up a constant dialogue (which even if the opposition don't like it is part of the game) but when told something had been decided or that they would talk later he immediately responded. For me this felt like a huge step in the right direction. Add to that an excellent personal performance and it was quite some game for him. That said there could have been quite a few MotMs for me with Koch, Tompkins and Davies all in with a shout.
I said in the "how good ..." thread I wasn't sure how good we are and it has been interesting to hear player, supporters and McCall talk about building towards the end of the season. Definitely lots to work on but the signs of that were very clear today.
Farrells break and pass for Lewington to run onto that ended in the Maitland try was sensational. As was the "Boot of Barrington"s try-saving effort.
I think we got the rub of the green as you do sometimes at home but the awful commentary, frequently whilst they watched replays that showed what they were saying was right or wrong was the opposite was just embarrassing.
I think Townsends "turnover summed it up perfectly. Three of them saying he was hard done by as we watched him not supporting his weight trawling for the ball. In the same phase in slo-mo we see Segun secure the ruck and a Chiefs front row forward with time to chose his point of entry run in and smash a shoulder into his face ... maybe low force mitigates to a yellow or even a penalty but nothing? That's to say nothing of two almost identical shoulder to Tompkins head within the space of about 5 seconds on our try-line right in front of the referee, neither penalised. Hope he's ok but I assume as he wasn't called off for an HIA he was although maybe that's why he was subbed and Daly was left on?
As brilliant our defence often was Baxter was right to identify how many opportunities they created. A fair bit of "bounce of a ball" or referee seeing things slightly different and things could have been different. They certainly created more opportunities than we did which will be an issue with Quins type teams.
Still very positive though
(edit) Oh and Mawi was brilliant.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:24:21:08:57 by OldMarovian.
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 20:52
So I'm interested in anyone else's views. Chiefs very unhappy with CMK. Commentators all but said he gave us the game. In a world where we're being very strict on clear-outs and head contact I looked at the Tompkins incidents again.
About 35 minutes, Chiefs near our try line.
Tompkins tackles Yeandle who is supported by a second Chiefs player. Kirsten runs in and plants a shoulder in Tompkins face as part of his "clear"
Tompkins holds on and ends up in a Chiefs Sandwich. Three players around him and only his head exposed. Then Woodburn runs in using his shoulder to make contact with the only exposed part of Tompkins, his head. All of this happens less than a couple of metres from CMK.
Am I crazy? is it just me who thinks there's a couple of red cards there with no mitigation?
About 35 minutes, Chiefs near our try line.
Tompkins tackles Yeandle who is supported by a second Chiefs player. Kirsten runs in and plants a shoulder in Tompkins face as part of his "clear"
Tompkins holds on and ends up in a Chiefs Sandwich. Three players around him and only his head exposed. Then Woodburn runs in using his shoulder to make contact with the only exposed part of Tompkins, his head. All of this happens less than a couple of metres from CMK.
Am I crazy? is it just me who thinks there's a couple of red cards there with no mitigation?
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: Innings (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 21:44
A game of two halves, but the wind was a most important factor. Chiefs' own ground is another where the side starting with the wind has to build a large cushion if they want to see out the second half with the wind against them. I thought today that Sarries simply played the weather better, and did well to go in so few points adrift. The second half simply showed how difficult the wind really was, with both sides struggling into it, and both looking better with it behind their backs.
Innings
Points win matches: tries win hearts and minds.
Innings
Points win matches: tries win hearts and minds.
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: AP (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 22:36
Do we know who chose which way to play / kick off? The windseemed more of a factor than either side expected. Strangely, it didn't seem particular strong in the stands.
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Exeter game
Posted by: Happy Sarrie (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2022 09:31
Bought my tickets for this ages ago and they have Saturday 23rd April on them but looking on website it's Sunday the 24th. Has this fixture been moved? Thanks.
My wife has told me that she's considering ending our marriage due to my utter obsession with rugby.
I'm begging her for one more try!
My wife has told me that she's considering ending our marriage due to my utter obsession with rugby.
I'm begging her for one more try!
Re: Exeter game
Posted by: Stumpy7780 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2022 09:56
Yeah, the game has moved to Sunday, it’s now on BT and ITV
Re: Exeter game
Posted by: Malcaudren (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2022 17:07
And as a result I now can’t make it due to an U10 festival 😢
Re: Exeter game
Posted by: Happy Sarrie (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2022 22:35
Quote:Malcaudren
And as a result I now can’t make it due to an U10 festival 😢
I am sorry to hear that. Is it inappropriate to leave the U 10s to get on with it whilst you enjoy a season defining game?
Just asking.
My wife has told me that she's considering ending our marriage due to my utter obsession with rugby.
I'm begging her for one more try!
Re: Exeter game
Posted by: Malcaudren (IP Logged)
Date: 20/04/2022 00:55
Quote:Happy SarrieQuote:Malcaudren
And as a result I now can’t make it due to an U10 festival 😢
I am sorry to hear that. Is it inappropriate to leave the U 10s to get on with it whilst you enjoy a season defining game?
Just asking.
Unfortunately yes. You don’t dedicate every Sunday morning to the kids just to bin them for one game. Glad I can record it off the tv at least
Re: Exeter game
Posted by: LutonS (IP Logged)
Date: 20/04/2022 16:20
Just a word of warning re travel on Sunday, there are no trains between Mill Hill Bdwy and London due to engineering works. There will be a rail replacement bus service calling all stations between St Pancras and MHB.
[www.thameslinkrailway.com]
[www.thameslinkrailway.com]
Re: Exeter game
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 20/04/2022 16:29
Quote:Malcaudren
You don’t dedicate every Sunday morning to the kids just to bin them for one game.
Re: Exeter game
Posted by: mrangry (IP Logged)
Date: 21/04/2022 12:48
Further to trains, there appears to be only 1 an hour from stations north of Luton, and similar for return. This might have a beneficial effect as I can now say "I had to stay for 2 pints as the train was late" but as long as it's not "I had to drown my sorrows" there is little change.
Re: Exeter game
Posted by: myleftboot (IP Logged)
Date: 21/04/2022 13:28
Quote:and still no northern line thru London Bridge either, double whammy I hit last weekLutonS
Just a word of warning re travel on Sunday, there are no trains between Mill Hill Bdwy and London due to engineering works. There will be a rail replacement bus service calling all stations between St Pancras and MHB.
[www.thameslinkrailway.com]
Re: Exeter game
Posted by: mrangry (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 09:20
Now no trains between Harpenden and London, emergency repairs. Bus replacements promised to get to Great Northern services. Go to Thameslink and get details.
Re: Exeter game
Posted by: JimG (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 17:41
Great win today with a bonus point. Unfortunately I couldn't make it so watched on TV. My god Healey and Dellaglio were an utter disgrace. Every decision by the ref questioned and every non decision against us queried. Healey was even trying to get Billy yellow carded for a pretty innocuous tackle on the wrong player. Fortunately the ref was calling as he saw it. Anyway, good display in the second half, and Farrell ran the show. Set piece was really strong, I don't think we lost a line out until Jamie went off and we definitely had the nudge in the scrum. Driving maul also really effective. Home semi looking odds on.
Re: Exeter game
Posted by: OhMaroItoje (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 18:08
2nd half was some of the best rugby we’ve played all season and a glimpse at what we can do when we stay disciplined and play at a high intensity. Farrell was brilliant again today, both as a player and as a captain.
Re: Exeter game
Posted by: myleftboot (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 20:37
Quote:having to make up a story why a former England captain used to sell coca cola to my son was a bit embarrassingJimG
My god Healey and Dellaglio were an utter disgrace. Every decision by the ref questioned and every non decision against us queried. .
Re: Exeter game
Posted by: siNBin (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 20:54
Obviously LNBD and Austin didnt hear on Reflink that we did before the end of the first half. A Scottish voice persisted in questioning the decision after the ref told him firmly that the decision was final. At that point, the voice made a comment that would have quite rightly got any other team marched back 20. Instead of marching them back, I think CMK took the alternative action of giving us all the 50/50s for the next 10 mins. I know its hard to believe but at various points, Owen was getting a mastercalss in harrassing refs.
If we had given away that many penalties someone/two would have walked for 10 mins.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:24:22:03:28 by siNBin.
If we had given away that many penalties someone/two would have walked for 10 mins.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:24:22:03:28 by siNBin.
Re: Exeter game
Posted by: AP (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 21:12
Without realising that the match was also being shown on terrestrial TV, I managed to record both and to pick the ITV version to watch back. The commentary team is Miles Harrison, David Flatman and Nollie Waterman plus contributions from Topsy Ojo. Definitely the one to go for!
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Re: Exeter game
Posted by: Duncan96 (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 21:21
Anyone else notice: a: how good our tackling was and b: how it was predominantly very low. Good coaching given how easy it is to get into trouble by accidentally going high now
Re: Exeter game
Posted by: maynas (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2022 23:26
Yes best half of rugby we have played all season,. At half time i was very concerned that if we continued to play the way we were we’d lose. Such a great response, led by OF who was clearly MoM well before the end.
Now we are only 4 points behind Tigers, great incentive to get top place and avoid Quins in the SF
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:24:23:28:29 by maynas.
Now we are only 4 points behind Tigers, great incentive to get top place and avoid Quins in the SF
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:24:23:28:29 by maynas.
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: DoubleChampions (IP Logged)
Date: 25/04/2022 10:32
Ooomph - that’s it.
+1
+1
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: Sarriebone (IP Logged)
Date: 25/04/2022 11:37
Laws question for someone more knowledgeable than me. If a player carries the ball back over his own try line and is held up (i.e. ball doesn't get grounded) is that classed as an unplayable ball and therefore play resumes with a scrum to the team in possession? Or is it the same as if the player were to carry it in and then ground the ball, which would be scrum the other way?
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 25/04/2022 13:34
Good question Sarriebone. Was that re Goode? if so I'd also like to know.
He pickpockets the transfer between Vermuelen and Skinner? before the line and whilst they tackle him we had a pretty good view and the ball seemed to stay on the right side of the line even though he was partially over the line. Tbf TV makes it look more like it might have gone over?
If he was tackled behind the line then I think that's their possession? As it was CMK seemed to think not, Vermuelen falls on the wrong side to stop it being played and Billy flops over it! Hard to know what to penalise there.
He pickpockets the transfer between Vermuelen and Skinner? before the line and whilst they tackle him we had a pretty good view and the ball seemed to stay on the right side of the line even though he was partially over the line. Tbf TV makes it look more like it might have gone over?
If he was tackled behind the line then I think that's their possession? As it was CMK seemed to think not, Vermuelen falls on the wrong side to stop it being played and Billy flops over it! Hard to know what to penalise there.
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: Sarriebone (IP Logged)
Date: 25/04/2022 14:00
Yeah it is. It sounded like CMK said it was held up and unplayable therefore black ball. I can only assume that was because it wasn't grounded over the line.
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 25/04/2022 14:57
Watched it again and I think he calls it as unplayable?? before awarding it. We'll take it!
Good to see an article re "ones to watch" by Charlie Morgan in the DT. Mentions both Segun and Tizard. I thought Segun was excellent and it's obvious to see how a player like Tizard will complement and enhance our pack.
Good to see an article re "ones to watch" by Charlie Morgan in the DT. Mentions both Segun and Tizard. I thought Segun was excellent and it's obvious to see how a player like Tizard will complement and enhance our pack.
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: ninjafez (IP Logged)
Date: 25/04/2022 15:39
Ah, not a happy boy it seems....
[www.exeterchiefs.co.uk]
"There were times, though, where I thought ‘Here We Go’ and we started to build some pressure - and I don’t mind us scoring when it’s like that - but then we coughed up one of those penalties. I did think the penalty county was extreme and it flipped after half time, which was interesting, but that’s something I will need to look at afterwards.
“Already I’ve had another Director of Rugby message me saying he could not believe some of the conversations that were going on at times on the pitch. I obviously need to sit and watch the TV commentary myself to see what was going on, but something quite significant seems to have happened during the game, so it will be interesting to see what it is”
Dunno if he's trying to save face, but there are official channels for it rather than a club PR Statement. I'm not fussed - but thought it was interesting
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
[www.exeterchiefs.co.uk]
"There were times, though, where I thought ‘Here We Go’ and we started to build some pressure - and I don’t mind us scoring when it’s like that - but then we coughed up one of those penalties. I did think the penalty county was extreme and it flipped after half time, which was interesting, but that’s something I will need to look at afterwards.
“Already I’ve had another Director of Rugby message me saying he could not believe some of the conversations that were going on at times on the pitch. I obviously need to sit and watch the TV commentary myself to see what was going on, but something quite significant seems to have happened during the game, so it will be interesting to see what it is”
Dunno if he's trying to save face, but there are official channels for it rather than a club PR Statement. I'm not fussed - but thought it was interesting
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 25/04/2022 16:45
That page seems to have disappeared! Perhaps someone had second thoughts about their comments?
Complete link:
[www.exeterchiefs.co.uk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:25:17:02:38 by OldMarovian.
Complete link:
[www.exeterchiefs.co.uk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:25:17:02:38 by OldMarovian.
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: OldMarovian (IP Logged)
Date: 27/04/2022 16:54
Disappointing to see not citing's for the numerous shoulder to face contacts from the Chiefs game. Preaching that we need to take player welfare seriously then ignoring offences is very weak.
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: AP (IP Logged)
Date: 27/04/2022 19:00
Presumably the citing officer took the view that they were yellow card offences at worst.
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: LutonS (IP Logged)
Date: 28/04/2022 08:24
I presume the Goode incident is covered by law 21.16 as per here:
[www.world.rugby]
"When a player carrying the ball is held up in the in-goal so that the player cannot ground or play the ball, the ball is dead. Play restarts with a goal line drop-out."
[www.world.rugby]
"When a player carrying the ball is held up in the in-goal so that the player cannot ground or play the ball, the ball is dead. Play restarts with a goal line drop-out."
Re: EXETER CHIEFS: PREVIEW, TEAM SELECTION & MATCH COMMENTS
Posted by: Sarriebone (IP Logged)
Date: 28/04/2022 09:31
Quote:LutonS
I presume the Goode incident is covered by law 21.16 as per here:
[www.world.rugby]
"When a player carrying the ball is held up in the in-goal so that the player cannot ground or play the ball, the ball is dead. Play restarts with a goal line drop-out."
If that's the case then we have to assume that CMK didn't see it over the line, therefore scrum restart to us if it was unplayable
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