Premier 15s Final: Can Exeter Stun Saracens?
Will Exeter grasp their maiden league title? Or will Saracens reclaim their crown?
Exeter weren’t meant to make the Premier 15s final this year. They weren’t meant to win the Allianz Cup either. The fact that they’re genuine contenders for this week’s final, is wondrous.
None of the above is an insult, bear that in mind. Especially not towards the bountiful talent that Susie Appleby’s holds within her ranks. If anything, it is a compliment. In reality, a team who’s existence stretches back to just a single season before this, shouldn’t already be in contention for such prizes.
Yet, they are. Appleby’s ability to cultivate a diverse squad filled with overseas talent reflects both the trust that Tony Rowe has placed in her, and the state that the young league is in. That state being that, while there is plenty of English-qualified (EQ) talent throughout the league, it isn’t spread around quite so freely. In the Red Roses’ Grand Slam triumph earlier this year, roughly 65% of the squad consisted of players from just three clubs - Saracens, Harlequins, and Loughborough Lightning. As Appleby alluded to, those players are not so eager to leave their existing structures for pastures new. Though, one would imagine the teaching Exeter’s young English players are receiving from their experienced colleagues is worth its weight in gold.
During a week in which the RFU announced that the future of the Premier 15s involves a prioritisation for EQ players, no matchup better showcases the dichotomy of home-grown talent and international imports, than Saracens vs Exeter Chiefs - this year’s Premier 15s final.
Saracens’ famous products are well known. Particularly that indomitable pairing of Marlie Packer and Poppy Cleall, who may just turn out in the second row again. In fact, you might imagine that the battle of the backrowers will be this Friday’s most engrossing contest. Plenty of words have been dedicated to Packer’s breakdown mastery, as well as to Cleall’s bruising carrying. Whilst that duo bulldoze their way through, Vicky Fleetwood utilises dynamic footwork and her abundance of pace.
Likely opposite them is Kate Zackary. Utterly versatile, playing across the backrow and in the centres if needed, she captains the USA Eagles and co-captains the Chiefs. A ferocious tackler complete with agile footwork and speed. Alongside Zackary in the backrow is fellow American Rachel Johnson, who will be the Chiefs’ answer to Packer’s turnover work with some impressive breakdown skills of her own. Although, Exeter don’t tend to commit to rucks too often, preferring instead to set their aggressive defence and ready themselves for the next wave. Completing the backrow is the immensely passionate co-captain Poppy Leitch, who if you couldn’t tell by her mullet, is Exeter through and through.
That aforementioned aggressive defence of Exeter’s will be mirrored by Saracens, with both sides fond of asserting their physicality on the game with dominant tackles.
The game won’t be solely grit and grind, however. Both sides have backs you’d trust to break down a ruthlessly organised defence- which they’ll have to. Saracens have the dextrous Holly Aitchison, who has stepped up admirably in place of the injured Zoe Harrison, who will no doubt craft gold in conjunction with Alev Kelter. With the likes of captain Lotte Clapp and Alysha Corrigan ready to inject pace out wide.
The vastly experienced Patricia Garcia will take the 10 jersey for Exeter. As well as quickly becoming a likeable cult figure at Sandy Park, she’s a gifted ball handler and distributor. Reliable and composed off the tee, she’s been the perfect mentor for the youthful talent breaking through to the Chiefs’ backline. Another two USA internationals in centre Gabby Cantorna and winger Jennine Detiveaux stand out. Kanako Kobayashi too is a tremendously talented runner. Her father has incredibly flown over from Japan for the game. It would be a tear-invoking sight for both daughter, father, and fans for those two to celebrate a finals win.
Playing quality is but one of many ingredients needed to forge a successful side. Chemistry is another - something which becomes harder to nurture as a squad fills with players from different nations and cultures. At Saracens, that chemistry is ingrained in the side. It is organic. The likes of Harrison, Hannah Botterman, and Ella Wyrwas have ran with ball in hand together since they were young at Welwyn rugby club. In true Saracens fashion, they are a wolfpack.
At Exeter, what has tied those numerous overseas players together is the mere fact that they are from overseas. They’ve uprooted their lives and relocated to this vibrant and ancient corner of the country to join the project at Sandy Park. It has created a tight-knit group of players who will soon make this season’s overachievement the norm.
That clannish factor was on full display as Exeter surpassed Bristol Bears in a truly seesaw semi-final. One in which they gradually lost their grip on as the 21-point lead they accumulated within 20 minutes was chipped away at by the Bears. A fierce black-shirted Exeter defence held on as long as they could, refusing to let Bristol over the line just as Bristol refused to stop their onslaught. At last, it seemed that their resolve had withered away as Bristol’s maul carried them over to score with little more than seven minutes to go. The few Bristol fans in attendance waved their flags and pumped their fists against a backdrop of disheartened Exeter fans.
Their glumness turned swiftly to glee as the incomparable Detiveaux muscled her way over to steal back the win that Bristol stole. The two Bristol players who tackled the USA Eagle were pushed off her without remorse as her teammates swarmed her in celebration.
It is a scenario that Appleby won’t want a repeat of against Saracens, who will punish Exeter far greater than Bristol did if they fail to maintain the momentum like they did in the semi. At the same time, it may just fill her with even more confidence. Knowing and trusting that her team can claw back a win which all of a sudden seemed lost.
Perhaps that may just be the difference in this final. It so often the smallest of margins that decide big games. Whoever controls the momentum; whoever can keep their heads and do the basics.
Saracens will be favourites, they rarely aren’t. Their experience and self-confidence is a big factor, especially in the high-pressure environment of finals rugby. But we mustn’t forget that just shy of a month ago Exeter ran riot against Saracens and inflicted a heavy defeat. Albeit against Packer and Cleall-less Saracens.
Feisty London derbies between Saracens and Harlequins are glorious amounts of fun. But for the league to grow, the competitiveness must grow within all teams, as it has this year. For Exeter to reach a final in their second season is an extraordinary feat, with the Allianz Cup to boot. Appleby can be proud of her side, no matter what happens this Friday.
The rugby's great. The writing style is turgid and excessive and badly spelt.