Chiefs are form team, they’re real contenders
After one of the most competitive seasons in the Allianz Premier XVs ever, the time has come for the top four of the table to compete in the semi-finals next weekend. The top four spots were already booked heading into yesterday’s final round of the regular season but riding on it was who was going to take the second home semi-final spot.
Saracens, who topped the 2021/22 season league table, did the same again this season by a comfortable 11 points. They will be at home next weekend against defending champions Harlequins, who slipped down to fourth after yesterday’s shock defeat at Loughborough.
Exeter and Bristol have also booked their places in the semifinals for their first outing in the knockout fixtures. The Chiefs sealed second place in the table after their victory over the Bears yesterday which means they will have a rematch next weekend for a place in the final.
New team Exeter, finished in sixth place last season after a successful inclusion into the new look Premiership, winning 10 games. They have taken another huge step forward this year and go into the semi-finals as the in-form team. Not only did they finish second but they have already tasted victory in the Allianz Cup final where they beat a depleted Harlequins side 57-12.
Yesterday they edged past Bristol to confirm their home semi-final and build on last week’s 54-12 hammering of Saracens.
Susie Appleby’s side is made up of a strong North American contingent with 13 of the 15 starters in last week’s game either Canadian or USA internationals. The Chiefs were strengthened by the arrival of USA prop Hope Rogers, right, in January. She blazed on the scene with a try ratio of one a match – 10 tries in 10 appearances. Hope plays alongside Kate Zachery who is instrumental to the team’s success at No.8, and they have Spanish international Patricia Garcia pulling the strings from the midfield. Exeter are known for their relentless physicality, dominant defence and impenetrable driven maul with a multi threat attack across the park. They are real contenders for a spot in the final.
Bristol Bears were the team that jumped the most places going from eighth to third in the matter of a season. With a new ground, new coach Dave Ward – the former Harlequins and Cornish Pirates hooker – and additional players such as Leanne Riley, Abbie Ward the south-west team have been a competitive outfit winning 11 of their games.
Bristol have been bolstered this
“Exeter are known for their relentless physicality, dominant defence and a multi threat attack”
alongside a number of Welsh internationals including flyer Jasmine Joyce, who has been a try scoring machine for her club. However the double Olympian will miss the remainder of the Premier XVs season after undergoing shoulder surgery. Bristol’s other try machine has been superstar England tighthead Sarah Bern, who has also been running riot for her club and country. Bristol’s opposition will be sure to target such a dominant force as Bern, but that focus creates gaps elsewhere, which Bristol will be looking to capitalise on.
Table-toppers Saracens’ regular appearance in the semi-finals and finals will give them confidence to take on Harlequins at home. After only two losses this season, Saracens know how to come back from pressure and win in tight games.
Key players such as Marlie Packer (nominee for player of the Six Nations), Hannah Botterman, Poppy Cleall and Vicky Fleetwood will all be looking to make amends for last year’s final when they lost 25-17 to Harlequins. Saracens will be without playmaker Zoe Harrison through injury so it’s up to Holly Aitchison to pull the strings from the fly-half position.
Saracens will be looking to use their international back row and big ball carriers to get the team on the front foot and play a territory game to allow the pack the opportunity to use their destructive maul to score points.
New additions to the Quins squad such as Rosie Galligan and speedster
Ellie Kildunne have helped them to 13 victories this season. Quins will be bolstered by the return of World Cup winner Rachael Burford at centre who is key to their success in unleashing players such as Jess Breach and Heather Cowell into space. Quins are another team with a dominant forward pack and maul, so it will be vital that both teams minimalise penalties as these driving
mauls are so deadly.
Noticeable names missing from the semi-finals are Giselle Mathers’ side Wasps who finished fifth. The start of the season was going well for them with big name Bryony Cleall adding size and power to the pack, but the cruellest of blows came to the side when three of their superstars were side-lined. Injuries to Abby Dow, Claudia Macdonald and Megan Jones have depleted the Wasps backline and disrupted the flow of how Wasps play.
After the success of the Women’s Six Nations, these Premiership semi-final showdowns are set to be a real humdinger. As the most competitive year ever of semi-finals, be sure to tune in to support your team. Is it a case of sout with the old and in with the new? That remains to be seen, but what is for sure, the standard of rugby will be a great spectacle for the game.