Let's Win it in Black

Chiefs travel to Twickenham for the third year in a row to compete for the title of Premiership Champions exactly 9 years to the day that they won the Championship and were promoted.  Not bad for a 'bunch of misfits' as Thomas 'The Tank' Wal;drom recently called his fellow team mates.  Well this bunch of misfits are the latest in an improving bunch who since joining the Premiership ranks have not finished lower than 8th place and our 5th place four years ago we were on the same points as Tigers but 1 more loss so lost out on a play-off place.  This means Chiefs have qualified for the Big Boys European Cup 6 out of the 8 seasons in the Prem.  Just for balance Sarries have not finished outside of the top 4 since season 08/09 when they were ninth and have been crowned Champions on 3 occassions during this period.

Not a bad history then but as Rob Baxter has said, a view reinforced by Don Armond on Saturday it counts for nothing when it comes to the Final.  Both reiterated a statement from earlier in the season about building a squad and season to go and win the trophy and not to look to retain it.  Rob has suggested this is where some teams have fallen short after winning the title i.e. assuming a team good enough to win it is good enough to retain it.  In interview Rob pointed out that only 4 of the team who beat Falcons had started last years final a statistic that suggests misfits are plentiful at the Chiefs!  

 

Sarries ended this season with these stats.

2

22

16

-

6

731

350

381

10

3

77

3.5

The points for and points difference are mighty impressive and have certainly been boosted by some very high scoring wins.  When it comes to conceding points there is little to choose between the sides and suggests the match could be a very close fought affair with the ability to break down defence as the key.  Ball retention is a bit of a speciality for the Chiefs and they'll need to ensure they don't allow Sarries too much success at the breakdown.  Both sides are very good at converting turnover ball into attack but I'm struggling to see the final being a try fest.  In fact I'm fully expecting to feel as exhausted watching a tense battle as I was after last years final!  Whatever hhappens it's going to be a pleasure watching the two best sides in England going head to head.

 

Come On You Chiefs...Chiefs...Chiefs...