CLIVE’S KEY BATTLES

THE BACK ROWS

THE battle of the two units that fascinates me more than any individual clash. Although Jack Willis dominates the jackal stats the Wasps back row tend to hunt as a pack with the others setting up Willis for the kill. Exeter have the raw power of Dave Ewers, the dynamic powerpacked running and try-scoring of Sam Simmonds (far right) and the strength of South African Jannes Kirsten. This will be some clash.

JOE LAUNCHBURY v JONNY HILL

LAUNCHBURY is so under-rated but hugely important for his team. He is a very good all-round forward — one of the best locks at the breakdown and blessed with great hands — but perhaps his greatest skill is nicking opposition lineout ball. Exeter have very few weaknesses but one minor achilles heel is that their line-out can be a bit fallible.

MATTEO MINOZZI v STUART HOGG

TWO of the most attacking full backs in the world. Italy might be struggling but Minozzi is a high quality performer, an exciting talent who is benefiting from finally playing in a winning team. His opposite number Hogg is at the very height of his powers and presents a huge attacking force to be countered.

DAN ROBSON v JACK MAUNDER

ROBSON sets the tone for Wasps at scrum half and plays with great tempo, has real gas and tracks intelligent lines to get on the shoulders of colleagues in attack. Against him, Maunder is maturing with each match, has a quick smooth service and knows his job is to keep his pack going forward.

LEE BLACKETT v ROB BAXTER

IT’S great to see two exceptional English coaches going head to head in this showpiece game.