Saracens 23 Chiefs 10

Saracens 23

Exeter Chiefs 10

Mark Stevens at Allianz Park

There was no fat lady singing on this occasion - instead we had a Marilyn Monroe tribute act to contend with -  but Exeter Chiefs’ latest outing to Allianz Park again hit a bum note.

Having come unstuck against both Northampton Saints and Bath in the past fortnight, Rob Baxter’s side made it an unwanted hat-trick of losses against the Aviva Premiership’s top three as hosts Saracens produced a powerful second half display to seal victory.

A converted try from hooker Schalk Brits, together with three penalties from the boot of fly-half Charlie Hodgson, proved sufficient enough for Mark McCall’s men to not only claim a league double over their Devon rivals, but at the same time ensure they celebrated their venue’s first anniversary in some style.

Up until that point, the Chiefs had more than held their own as Ian Whitten’s converted try had ensured the two sides turned round at the interval locked in a 7-7 stalemate after prop James Johnston claimed a converted score of his own on his return to first-team duty

And although Exeter playmaker Gareth Steenson momentarily nudged his team back in front just minutes into the second period, the Chiefs were unable to hold on as the Londoners kicked into overdrive.

Ahead of kick-off, Baxter tinkered with his line-up bringing in Fetu’u Vainikolo for Tom James and Henry Slade, whose inclusion meant a reshuffle in midfield with Phil Dollman shifting to full-back in place of Luke Arscott.

Saracens, meanwhile, were also able to field a powerful array of talent as they made eight changes to the side that won 15-10 at Sale Sharks last time out. Behind, Ben Ransom, Joel Tomkins and Chris Wyles were all given the nod from the outset as were Richard Barrington, Schalk Brits, Johnston, Mouritz Botha and skipper Ernst Joubert up front.

It was, however, the visitors who were the first to show against a strong wind in their faces. Whitten and Vainikolo set the early tone with some promising attacking raids, before back-row duo Ben White and Dave Ewers showed their worth with a neat inter-change that had the home defence scrambling.

Exeter’s vibrant opening, though, was to get even better as on ten minutes they broke the deadlock with the game’s opening try. Steenson initiated the attack as he stepped off his right boot to leave a trail of defenders in his wake. He linked cleverly with Tom Johnson who, having seen his raid halted, was then able to get round moments later as the ball was recycled to feed Whitten, who did the rest as he powered his way over in the right-hand corner for the converted score.

Moments later and the Chiefs were again on the front foot as Tongan international Vainikolo set off on a bulldozing run that left a trail of destruction in his wake. Saracens were all at sea as the winger tore through the middle and it took at least three defenders to finally halt his charge.

At the other end, former England international Hodgson then saw a long-range penalty drift wide of the right post after the Chiefs were pulled up for dropping a scrum just inside their own half.

If that was close, Sarries went even closer when a swift attack saw the Londoners carve open the Chiefs to set-up Wyles on the left wing. Thankfully, Exeter scrum-half Dave Lewis had spotted the danger and he was quickly across to put in a try-saving tackle before colleague Damian Welch finished off the job as he bundled Ransom into touch.

Home pressure was mounting by the minute and having seen Richard Wigglesworth penalised for holding on just inches from the visiting line, Sarries finally made their breakthrough when the imposing Johnston was able to rumble his way over from close range - Hodgson converted - after Kelly Brown and Joubert had done the initial donkey work.

In truth, it was no more than the home side deserved for their efforts, but the Chiefs were still firmly in contention with the scores tied at the break.

HALF TIME        SARACENS 7        EXETER CHIEFS 7

Now with the elements in their favour, the Chiefs were again looking for a powerful opening to the half. Again things looking promising for the visitors as early endeavour brought reward as Steenson sent over a sublime penalty to nudge the Devonians back in front with seven minutes elapsed.

But no sooner had Baxter’s men gained a slender buffer, they preceded to hand the initiative back to their rivals as a mistake at the restart allowed the home side to capitalise. Using the penalty, Hodgson kicked to the corner, the home pack conjured up a line-out move that propelled South African hooker Brits over for their second converted score of the game.

Home cheers were momentarily silenced when Sarries lock Botha was floored following a heavy collision with Ewers, Exeter’s own African man-mountain. Play was halted for a five-minute spell whilst Botha - who was eventually stretchered from the field - was attended to by a plethora of medical staff.

On the resumption, it was Saracens who wasted little time in adding to their lead as two quick fire penalties from Hodgson enabled them to command a ten-point lead entering into the last quarter of the match.

Baxter added fresh stock in the form of Armand, Rimmer and Thomas to try and haul his side back into the game and the new blood seemed to momentarily ignite the Exeter fires. Ewers went on a marauding run through the middle, whilst Vainikolo and Matt Jess were ever-willing runners with ball in hand.

Saracens, though, were miserly in defence as they happily absorbed all the Chiefs could throw at them, before then countering with some decisive attacks of their own.

Even when they lost replacement Jacques Burger to the cooler in the latter stages for an ugly high tackle on Dollman, the home side still had enough about them to choke the Chiefs into submission.

Hodgson’s third penalty of the game with four minutes remaining not only put Saracens firmly out of Exeter’s reach, but enabled them to keep the pressure on the Saints, who continue to lead the way at the summit following their latest win at Newcastle Falcons.

Next up for the Chiefs is Saturday’s home battle with London Irish which, according to Baxter post-match, is now a “must-win” for his frustrated troops.


Saracens: B Ransom; C Ashton, J Tomkins (T Streather 72), B Barritt (M Bosch 78), C Wyles; C Hodgson, R Wigglesworth (N De Kock 50); R Barrington, S Brits (J George 72), J Johnston (T Du Plessis 80); G Kruis, M Botha (S Borthwick 50); J Wray, K Brown (J Burger 50), E Joubert (capt). Replacement (not used): N Auterac.

Tries - Johnston, Brits; Conversions - Hodgson (2); Penalties - Hodgson (3)

Yellow Card: Burger

Chiefs: P Dollman; F Vainikolo, I Whitten, H Slade, M Jesss; G Steenson, D Lewis (H Thomas 64); B Moon (C Rimmer 64), J Yeandle (L Cowan-Dickie 20), H Tui (A Brown 43); D Mumm (capt), D Welch; T Johnson (K Horstmann 72), B White (D Armand 63), D Ewers. Replacements (not used): C Sweeney, J Shoemark.

Try - Whitten; Conversion - Steenson; Penalty - Steenson

Referee: W Barnes.

Attendance: 8,114

UP NEXT FOR THE CHIEFS: v London Irish (H), Aviva Premiership, Saturday, March 1 (3pm)