Exeter Chiefs vs Northampton Saints

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Exeter Chiefs

15 Josh Hodge
14 Jack Nowell
13 Henry Slade
12 Solomone Kata
11 Olly Woodburn
10 Joe Simmonds
9 Sam Maunder
1 Scott Sio
2 Luke Cowan-Dickie
3 Harry Williams
4 Daffyd Jenkins
5 Jack Dunne
6 Dave Ewers
7 Christ Tshiunza
8 Sam Simmonds

Replacements

16 Jack Yeandle
17 James Kenny
18 Josh Iosefa-Scott
19 Ruben Van Heerden
20 Greg Fisilau
21 Jack Maunder
22 Harvey Skinner
23 Rory O’Laughlin

Northampton Saints

15 Tommy Freeman
14 James Ramm
13 Matt Proctor
12 Fraser Dingwall
11 Courtnall Skosan
10 George Furbank
9 Alex Mitchell

1 Alex Waller
2 Mike Haywood
3 Paul Hill
4 Alex Coles
5 Alex Moon
6 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
7 Angus Scott-Young
8 Lewis Ludlam (c)

Replacements:
16 Robbie Smith
17 Emmanuel Iyogun
18 Alfie Petch
19 Karl Wilkins
20 Sam Graham
21 Callum Braley
22 Rory Hutchinson
23 Tom Collins

Match Officials

Referee: Adam Leal
Assistant Referees: Charlie Gayther and John Meredith.
TMO: Stuart Terheege.
Citing Officer: John Byett.

Weather Forecast as at 1200 Friday

Light rain and a strong winds from the south west
Temperature 9 degrees but will feel like 7 degrees
A chance of rain

Television Coverage

SD Channel 409 BT Sports 2 from 1
HD Channel 431 BT Sports 2 from 1430

Pack looks better, hope JM hasn’t been rushed back, good back line is a match for anybody if they get ball.
Let’s hope we can find the team ethic again. Should win if we turn up as we threw it away up there place with very poor discipline, giving them a result they never deserved.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:06:12:10:56 by clalan.

Match Preview from Gallagher site:

Exeter Chiefs five game winning run in all competitions ended with their 3-35 defeat at Saracens on New Year’s Eve. The Chiefs solitary defeat at Sandy Park in any tournament since March was 20-22 to Saracens in Round 7 of Premiership Rugby.

Northampton Saints last seven matches in Gallagher Premiership Rugby have all been won by the home side on the day. The Saints have won just once on the road in Premiership Rugby since April: 40-36 at Wasps on 9 October.

The last six encounters between the two clubs have been evenly split with three wins each whilst the Saints have won on their last two visits to Sandy Park. Northampton beat Exeter 26-19 at cinch Stadium in November and have not achieved a Premiership Rugby season’s double over the Devonians since 2013/14.

James Kenny up against Alfie Petch in the final quarter then! Could be interesting.

Plus it's handy that Iosefa-Scott can play either side, the only problem is that he seems equally capable of giving away penalties whether at LH or TH.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:06:12:21:33 by Osmium.

Chiefs 30 Northampton 20, let's be optimistic here!

Hopefully the stronger squad from last week will see us bag a win and send us to Pretoria in a confident mood.
However I do think this could be too close to call, they have the momentum from a good win last week and that they beat us at the Gardens.
Having said that, I'm going for us to sneak it 32 - 28 it what I think will be a pulsating game.

Chiefs 28 - Saints 21

No Jonny, imo Jack Dunne hasn't made much of an impression. Think it will be tight so
Chiefs 28 - 25 Saints

back to winning ways this week, probably going to be close, Chiefs 33 Saints 30

I think we can expect Saint to play a fairly expensive game so need to watch that. Our pack I believe may just have the edge. IF we can keep the penalty count down and our heads I fancy we might just knick it.
Always enjoy our games against Saints, home and away.

IMO a very understrength 2nd row which could cost us

Chiefs 26 Saints 16



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:01:07:12:23:02 by Chief Fire Water.

Gray a massive loss as are Kirsten and Vermullen- think Saints will edge it in the pack 2nd half but expect weather will prevent much good ball handling.
Exeter 27 Saints 24.

Feeling good about this game. Chiefs 21 Saints 14.
Think we could well rest a few players for the trip to Bulls and focus our efforts on the Castres game as more of a priority.

Is Hogg injured? And why no Jonny Grey? Conditions will be against a flowing game and kicking will be difficult. Having said that, I’m feeling positive, although i suspect a winning BP will be very surprising.

Chiefs 24 18 Saints

I, too, think it will be close but with Sandy Park weather we could edge it so:
Exeter 27 - 22 Northampton

Got to predict a win but feeling bit confused as to how well or not we will play. Really good to see squad thickening out with JM and Harvey Skinner back. Hopeful. 25-17 to Exe.

Chiefs 31 - Saints 22 ... Maybe wishful thinking but I feel a kick back from last week is the least we can expect.

In Rob we trust.
By the way - cream on first. There's nothing to debate.

I too think it will be tight but I’ve got a niggling worry in my bones. Good to see a few returns from injury and back-line looks good. Hope I’m wrong but I think Saints might edge it. Chiefs 27 saints 29

[www.exeterchiefs.co.uk]

Both sides well balanced and difficult to predict so a draw for me. would have liked to have seen cairns involved but as usual same old drab 9s

Chiefs 33- Saints 28

Saints are without Lawes, Ribbans and Smith. I agree with CFW that our second row looks underpowered and Gray is a big loss - that is a worry - but talismanic Ewers is back with LCD and Sam Simmonds. The wind is going to be a problem but our tactics cannot be as stupid as last week. Their backs are very dangerous so in the weather conditions if we kick we have to kick well. I expect a big reaction from last week's shambles so Chief's 32 Saints 20.

With big Dave back, our MVP in my opinion, along with weather forecast I think we’ll win this Chiefs 27 Saints 20

Ex 34. Saints 19

Chiefs 21 Saints 19

Would rather see Van Heerden start ahead of Dunne in the absence of Gray. The weather will affect both sides but home advantage should shade it for the Chiefs. Chiefs 26 Saints 15

Looks like a breezy afternoon ahead, which will no doubt play its part. Uncertain feeling about the result but going to keep the faith.
Chiefs 25 - 20 Saints

Sarries (and the Officials) have just done us a favour.

16-19 win to Sarries with a last minute DG by Farrell who shouldn't have been on the pitch.

Small margins.

Once he’s cited I expect the RFU panel will ensure he’s availabe for 6N selection! Good game tonight and TBH the desire and commitment on show from both sides is something we’re currently some way short of.

The intensity of Glaws, particularly in defence was something we just don't generate. They will be spitting pips this morning! Is Dickson the most incompetant official in the prem?
But to today's business. Lots of Saints supporters are going for a Saints win. Mixed feelings here. Mrs PC is going with her head, I'm not!
Mrs PC Ex 17 Saints 30
PC Ex 22 Saint 17

Chiefs 29 Saints 23

I don’t understand starting Dunne over van Heerden, who has looked much more dynamic on what we’ve seen so far. Great to see Josh Hodge getting a good run, a star in the making and someone we must hold on to.

Quote:

CullyChief

I don’t understand starting Dunne over van Heerden, who has looked much more dynamic on what we’ve seen so far.

I was scratching my head over that one too.

Quote:

ExTeddChief
let's be optimistic here!

I tried that last week! So this week I'm going to put that well-known definition of insanity to the test.

Chiefs 21 - 18 Saints

Recent games against saints have been close and enjoyable to watch. Really hard to predict us at the moment, as who knows which chiefs side will turn up! Worried about our set piece, with conditions as they are a few scrums are inevitable. Like others I fear our second row is underpowered.
I think it will be close with home advantage just taking it for us. Chiefs 30 Saints 27. Although, would not be at all surprised to see it go the other way!

I wonder if the coaches think RvH offers more as an 'impact' player than Dunne does, especially coming on alongside Fisilau who (to me) lacks a little of the heft that Sam S brings.

Over the past 4 years or so Saints have never managed a TBP against us so I'm going to hang onto that and go for Chiefs 27 Saints 19

or it could be something completely different

Going with logic this time. Expecting a few scrums due to conditions. Exeter 19 Saints 35
Fingers crossed that I am wrong

Filthy weather at the park....

And only 7,000 here today unfortunately. 🙁

Prawn Sandwiches are delicious!

Sat next to Whitts at lunch. Lots of really interesting discussions. Id like to share them apparently but im not supposed to....

🙁

Sat next to Whitts at lunch. Lots of really interesting discussions. Id like to share them apparently but im not supposed to....

🙁

Please share...........................

Hehehe Hehehe.

That's a bit more like it.
Considering the scrum and lineout were still a cause for concern, our defence and first up tackling won us the game, didn't really give them much go forward ball. Thought Jenkins and Tshiunza had a very good games. Hope LCD's ankle is not too serious, could do with him for the next 2 weeks.

A marked improvement on our previous performances. I agree our defence was very much improved today. I couldn’t pick a man off the match, it was a solid team performance.

An improvement for sure, it had to be! Yes, the commitment to D, the gain line wins in contact and a semblance of a game plan......but aren’t these non negotiables? The same issues remain with set piece and creativity, albeit I get the weather affecting the latter.
Saints were.....well, Saints. Like many I thought a wet and windy Sandy Park wouldn’t take their fancy and so it proved.
Kata is becoming a midfield threat and Hodge is starting to suggest that Hogg won’t be missed too much during 6 Nations.
It’ll be interesting to see what squad we take to SA next week. Obviously LCD won’t make it and is it worth going full bore against a fully loaded Bulls?
We can afford to leave some players at home imo. Ground work in Champ Cup done. One more home win and we are looking at a Home last 16 draw.

Pleasantly surprised by that performance. LCD, Ewers, Hodge & Kata very good , but sensible play from the whole team. Scrum still a problem although I now believe refs are prejudging our likely weakness so we don’t get the breaks even on the odd occasions we deserve them. However I was screaming loudly and rudely at the last two scrums when as usual the ball sat in the second row or at 8s feet and J Maunder was faffing about digging for it. Just get the ball in and out pronto by actually getting 2 to hook the damn thing!

Pleasantly surprised by that performance. LCD, Ewers, Hodge & Kata very good , but sensible play from the whole team. Scrum still a problem although I now believe refs are prejudging our likely weakness so we don’t get the breaks even on the odd occasions we deserve them. However I was screaming loudly and rudely at the last two scrums when as usual the ball sat in the second row or at 8s feet and J Maunder was faffing about digging for it. Just get the ball in and out pronto by actually getting 2 to hook the damn thing!

Quote:

Not Manichean
Hehehe Hehehe.

Shame - I for one would like to hear whatever you think it appropriate to pass on!

Hi Debenair, your quote ''Just get the ball in and out pronto by actually getting 2 to hook the damn thing!'' - I couldn't agree more but can our Hookers hook? Can the second row get their feet out of the way?

Quote:

cornwallchief

Quote:

Not Manichean
Hehehe Hehehe.

Shame - I for one would like to hear whatever you think it appropriate to pass on!

He is a genuinely lovely bloke. Recognises that he reaching the end of his days and quite philosophical about it. Still desperate to play however and whenever he can.

Thinks Kata will get better and better and very positive about centre prospects when Devo and Hendo are back.

Very complementary about Omar, and the coaches in general.

Some stuff that i wouldn't share, but he is essentially a very positive guy and deserves massive respect for his attitude and commitment to the club.

Looking forward to going back to NI and playing with his brothers at his Da's old club.

Thanks NM As you know from my posts I think his playing days in the prem 23's are behind him barring emergency but he has been a star for us over many years. Whenever people mention him they say what a delightful bloke he is - glad you had an enjoyable interesting chat - a good memory to have with your others.

Good result but scrum and lineout remain areas of huge concern. Jonny Gray’s return next week, hopefully, will add some heft but something more seems to be wrong with the lineout.
43 Points: Mike the Shirt;
41 Points: Ouch that hurts; Cornwall Chief;
40 Points: Dumnoniinomad; Scottish Chief;
39 Points: Bold Eagle;
38 Points: Rowancroft73;
35 Points: Andy15.1; ExTedd Chief;
34 Points: Hankey; Osmium; Lowerwatha;
33 Points: Chief Firewater;
32 Points: Alain le Chief;
31 Points: Plympton Chief; Cully Chief;
30 Points: Keithbar54; Not Manichean;
29 Points: Ex58;
27 Points: Currychef; Big Chief Little Chief;
26 Points: Stokecanon;
24 Points: Fisher; Mrs PC;
23 Points: Ljs399;
22 Points: Lapo;
21 Points: Moosechief;
15 Points: Seaside Chief;
14 Points: Broken Arrow; Exeterfan;
9 Points: Clalan;
6 Points: Whiptonchief; Chief Bert
4 Points: Last of the Beercans; Minuteman; ChiefUther;
A good start to the New Year with the boys bound for a different challenge in South Africa next week.