Exeter Chiefs - 1st

STORY OF THE SEASON: An opening day defeat at Gloucester prompted thoughts of another poor start as was the case in 2016-17, but Exeter got back on track much quicker this time. Ended up topping the regular season by eight points totalling 85 (one more than in the previous season) with probably their biggest improvement being in defence conceding just 42 tries – as opposed to 55 – which was second only to Saracens. More of their players are getting Test calls but with their strength in depth there seems to be minimal disruption during the Test windows. STAND-OUTS: The collective effort remains the Holy Grail for Chiefs…but Sam Simmonds has enjoyed an eye-popping season at No.8 and Luke Cowan-Dickie, right, has been demonstrating the form to suggest that he and not Jamie George might be England’s long-term successor to Dylan Hartley at hooker. STRENGTHS: No team retains possession with more efficiency and everybody carries well with the Chiefs leading the stats by a country mile in that department, with 3,505m for the season. Yet on top of all that their handling can be dazzling when they decide the time has come to stretch play wide or keep the ball in hand. WEAKNESSES: Difficult to find any. Chiefs have been the best team in England for two years now which, given that period has also seen Sarries at the height of their powers, is some accolade. Evidence suggests the best way of defeating them is to turn the tables and do a Leinster, i.e. deprive them of the ball even more than they keep it from you. COACH’S CORNER: Rob Baxter’s reputation grows apace and it’s difficult not to think he is next man in for England. Man management is not the least of his skills, witness Exeter’s rotation system. Almost uniquely it’s difficult really to tell the difference between Exeter’s Gun XV and their alternate team. Somehow he keeps everybody on edge but happy at the same time. MIRACLE MAN: Exeter don’t rely on miracle plays but if they need something special I would be looking to the very sparky Joe Simmonds at fly-half – even though he might conceivably start on the bench – while Cowan-Dickie pulls off more important tackles than is decent for a hooker. PREDICTION: Too much power and nous for Newcastle, epic final against Saracens where...they will retain their title.