Exeter Chiefs
Can Chiefs stay 2nd?
Chiefs
By Moorsman
November 26 2014
Can Chiefs stay 2nd at the end of this block of AP games?
Chiefs v Sarries
Can Chiefs stay second at the end of this block of AP games? Well the worst they will be is in fourth place as Tigers are 5 points adrift of that place.
| 1 | Northampton | 8 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 246 | 130 | 6 | 30 |
| 2 | Exeter | 8 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 256 | 145 | 4 | 28 |
| 3 | Bath | 8 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 250 | 154 | 4 | 28 |
| 4 | Saracens | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 233 | 173 | 3 | 25 |
| 5 | Leicester | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 164 | 179 | 3 | 21 |
It might seem a bit odd that I'm not asking if we can go to the top but Saints are unlikely to get fewer than 4 points as they take on the struggling Welsh. However Rob Baxter's squad will be going all out to preserve their standing in the table at what should be a well attended Sandy Park. Chiefs have only beaten Sarries twice since joining the Prem but our games are generally hard fought encounters. The stand out thing for me in games v Sarries has been their line speed in defence. This is one area that I think the Chiefs have really stepped up a gear or two and Saturday's match could be a bit of an attritional affair. Having said this both sides have back lines capable of running in tries as well as two of the best place kickers in the league. So the penalty count needs to be low or Steeno or Charlie Hodgson are likely to make them pay, not to mention Sladey for the long distance attempts. Sarries will be missing Kruis, Barritt and Farrell who are on England duty but will have Goode available as like Jack Nowell and Thomas 'The Try Scoring Tank' Waldrom he was released. As far as Chiefs go this can only be good news as Jack is back on form following his return from injury and TTTE will be looking to continue his try scoring start to the season. I've already picked out Steeno and TTTE as key men on Saturday but I think Will Chudley has made a major contribution to the Chiefs excellant start to the season.
Key men
I must admit to feeling a little nervous about this match but that's not unusual for me! I was nervous about the Quins and Wasps games and see how well they turned out :-)
Finally
Just thought I'd add a few words about 2 players who've had to 'retire' through injury this season. Firstly James Hanks who's testimonial dinner I attended last week and secondly Neil Clark who announced his retirement this week. I've really great memories courtesy of these guys who were part of our Championship win and elevation to the Premiership. I wish both well in whatever they choose to do and I'm sure they both have what is needed to succeed.
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26/11/2014 14:16
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We will have to be on top form defensively and take every opportunity on offer.
Agree the key players for us will be Steeno, Chudders and TTTE but a full 80 minutes from the whole team is required.
I like having Chiefs in the top 4 it's good for the AP to freshen things up
The way we are playing at the moment and with a full squad available there has never been a better time to beat Sarries and put behind us last seasons dissapointment. Won't be easy that's for sure and we need to take every available opportunity.
We can beat them and keep this good run going.
And thanks SaintED......we quite enjoy being up there too
Time for a pipe of Old Toby!
Come on Exe and the 16th man
Quote:ExTeddChief
Can't make this one(birthday party in Axminster which I committed to when I thought this one was an away game) but if we can keep our form going it'll be wonderful! Anyone seems beatable now but we can't get cocky!
There's only 2 things to say about ExTeddChief Stupid and true!
A win is not as unlikely as winning at Saints but that is what makes it tougher,a bit more expectancy. The longer we spend at the top end of the table the more teams will not underestimate us and raise their game against us.
Sarries are very well drilled and I expect a reaction after their defeat last week but our confidence should be high so I think we can sneak it by 5-7 if we nullify their back row.
C'mon Exe
Quote:Shy Ann
Dont think theres going to be a lot of points scored.
Looking at the weather I reckon it's a perfect day for running rugby so there could be a fair few points scored by both sides! Lets hope Chiefs score more!
The blitze defence by Sarries has been a bit shaky of late, But our defence has come on leaps and bounds and is a match for anybody on our day.
Tough game, but unlike previouse seasons, I wouldn't be surprised if with came out on top.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:11:29:11:43:33 by clalan.
any way back to work.
Exe took on and definitely beat the best pack that Sarries, who have one of the best, could field and, as forwards win matches and the backs dictate by how many, they will on that form certainly be there at the death.
If you saw the Premiership highlights show and David Flatman talking about Exe and the performance of young Ben Moon in particular, it was quite revealing. Flats was still playing under 2 season's ago, does know a thing or two about forwards and forward play and is very knowledgeable for a pundit, and still retains many close contacts with current players and their thinking and perspective on the current situation.
I watch Exe when not at Bath, and I have noticed the Exe pack have stepped up this year and have got stronger and better, and even faster if that is possible. They do things instinctively now as they are used to playing at the highest level. Continuity of selection and generally everyone staying fit is also very important to this level of performance. I just wonder if TJ can get back in the side and you still have the three youngsters Conlon, Simmonds and Skinner with the admirable White and the excellent Scaysbrook also to come in.
It just looks at gets better and better for Exeter Rugby.
