England superstar Itoje in the firing line for Hill as Exeter plan a spectacular sporting double in London

double this time.” The bookies make both underdogs, despite Chiefs being reigning champions and ‘winning’ the regular season, during which they beat Saracens home and away – and City finishing above Coventry.

It might have something to do with star-studded Sarries averaging 55 points in their last five matches – and the Sky Blues taking 40,000 fans with them to Wembley.

But Hill, 23, is undeterred, warning: “We will target Saracens’ strengths and try to put our game on them as much as possible. The battle of the gainline will be the game. You have to try to stop them having it their way. You have to meet them there and get them back over it. That’s the challenge.”

Hill, all 6ft 7in of him, goes up against Lions star Itoje (above) armed with the confidence of winning more lineouts (107) than any player in the regular season. “I’m looking forward to a one-on-one battle with Maro,” he said of a player he operated alongside for England at Under20 level four years ago. “I enjoyed working with him then and he’s improved phenomenally since. You always have to be switched on when