Mccall has chill factor
CHAMPS REPAY BOSS’ TRUST
SARACENS boss Mark Mccall insisted he always had faith in his Premiership winners – even when they were on the slide in the snow in December.
This was Mccall’s fourth title as gaffer since 2011 and he reckons the best yet after his side’s winter slip when they lost five top-flight games on the spin and were smashed 4614 by Clermont.
But Sarries never gave defending champs Exeter a sniff playing rugby’s version of rope-a-dope.
The win will only help chairman Nigel Wray (right) in his search for new investment to ensure there are more days like these.
There were two tries for retiring American winger Chris Wyles, plus scores for a lively Billy Vunipola and replacement Nathan Earle.
There was a majestic performance from full-back Alex Goode, in front of England boss Eddie Jones, who continues to ignore him, Mako Vunipola was off the scale and Maro Itoje was at his rampaging best.
Mccall (below left) said: “Where we were in December, having lost five games in a row, to be here today and play the way we did that feels really good. “When you lose five games in a row, as an organisation you start to see ghosts and things that are wrong when they’re not. “We were calm and composed but thought our way through that period.
“It feels like our best final performance because of the quality of the opposition.”
Saracens did not get a touch for 13 minutes but dug in as Exeter chucked everything at them only to be just 3-0 in front.
And when Sarries had the ball they put Exeter on the canvas, with Billy Vunipola forcing his way over on 15 minutes and Wyles adding his first four minutes later.
And when Wyles scored his second just after the break Chiefs took a standing count – until Saracens gave them a chink of light.
Hooker Schalk Brits, a replacement in his last game, was yellowcarded and with Sarries down to 14 fly-half Gareth Steenson went over to make it 19-10.
But when Sarries were back to 15 Earle went over in the corner and Mccall’s mob had revenge for last year’s semi-final loss.
Exeter boss Rob Baxter said: “I said to the players you can lose a Premiership final and be part of the next side to win the Premiership for Exeter, or you can let it slip.”
Try: Steenson Pen: Simmonds Con: Steenson
Tries: B Vunipola, Wyles (2), Earle Pen: Spencer Con: Farrell (2)