Saracens show off the silverware at Twickenham
Saracens were crowned Aviva Premiership champions for a third time in four seasons after ending Exeter’s title reign at Twickenham.
First-half tries by No 8 Billy Vunipola and wing Chris Wyles sent Saracens on the way to a 27-10 victory as Chiefs’ hopes of claiming a second successive Premiership crown dried up in the south-west London sunshine.
Wyles added a second touchdown after 47 minutes and there was no way back for Exeter after that as Saracens collected Premiership silverware for a fourth time in their history.
Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell, who will captain England on their three-Test tour to South Africa next month, kicked two conversions before going off 15 minutes from time, appearing to be in discomfort, with Ben Spencer adding a late penalty and Nathan Earle a 79th-minute try.
Exeter’s points came through an early Joe Simmonds penalty and a Gareth Steenson try that he also converted but, despite finishing well clear of Saracens over the 22-game regular Premiership season, they could not withstand their opponents’ superior pace and power that was driven by man-of-the-match Mako Vunipola.
England head coach Eddie Jones looked on as Billy Vunipola, who overcame a hamstring injury concern to start the final and featured for an hour, opened Saracens’ account following an initial 15 minutes that Exeter dominated.
And when United States international Wyles, making his farewell appearance before retiring from professional rugby, struck four minutes later, Exeter were left chasing the game before ultimately suffering a first defeat since mid-February.
Saracens captain and centre Brad Barritt revealed that European Champions Cup disappointment had strengthened his side’s resolve.
“It was an unbelievable effort from the boys,” he said.
“We spoke about the disappointment in Europe and using it as a galvanising effect for the rest of the season.
“We don’t make it about the championships, it’s about the process. I have no doubt next season the boys will come back just as hungry.”
Star man Mako Vunipola said: “It was a tough shift and we expected it to be.
“The Chiefs have been the best team in England for a while.
“We had to hold on to the ball and we did that and we have good generals at nine and 10.
“I’m very proud of where we have come from.”
Exeter flanker Don Armand admitted the two quick-fire tries scored by Saracens knocked the wind out of his team’s sails.
“Credit to Sarries, I thought they were very clinical when they needed to be,” the 29-year-old said.
“We will go away and see what we need to work on.”