Clash of titan packs is set to be ferocious
After two extraordinary semi-finals, the stage has been set for the Allianz Premier XVs final. All eyes are on Exeter, who have already made history by being the newcomers to the final.
Regular finalists and current champions, Harlequins, were knocked out in a convincing fashion by Saracens. The London derby proved too much for the Harlequins team. They had no answer for the relentless pressure they were under from a well-drilled, tenacious Saracens team that went on to win the game 30-10.
Exeter’s game was much closer, resulting in a four-point win over Bristol after a remarkable showdown in Devon. Exeter were in control throughout the first half, and Bristol looked dead and buried going down 21-0.
But Bristol’s never-give-up attitude saw them make the comeback of all comebacks, and take the lead 24-21 in the last seven minutes – but a last minute try from Exeter’s Jennine Detiveaux broke the hearts of the Bristol Bears team and fans.
Exeter will have to go up another gear in the final because Saracens look in great form. They commanded a strong lead against a stunned Harlequins side, who had showed promise in the first ten minutes with constant pressure, and two attempts in Saracens’ 22.
But the pressure and possession came to no avail, with nothing on the scoreboard for their efforts. Saracens rode the tidal wave of attack, and then came into their own, through their forwards. The monstrous rolling maul proved to be the dominant force against Harlequins, producing two tries, and a further brace of tries from Poppy Cleall after quick picks off them.
Harlequins went into half-time trailing 22-5, after Saracens scored on the brink of half-time. The mammoth
“Exeter will have to go up another gear in the final because Saracens look in great form”
task to come back was too much for Harlequins, and they looked lost against Saracens’ brick wall defence, and showed an inability to break the team down.
Newcomers to the final Exeter will be bringing physicality, relentless defensive pressure and hard carrying forwards, as well as tactical nous and creative backs. The strings will be pulled by Spanish wizard, Patricia Garcia, below, who has been effervescent in all of Exeter’s wins.
Powerhouse prop, Hope Rogers, the Exeter sensation who joined in January, scored a brace of tries against Bristol and leads the physicality charge from the front. With her taliswoman traits, through strong scrummaging, offensive tackling and dominant ball carries, she’s a thorn in the side of any opposition. Her ability to score tries means she will need to be contained if Saracens want to make their mark on the game.
Both Saracens and Exeter have similar game plans. They rely on their physically dominant forwards to get them front foot ball, then they use their weapons in the back line to finish off attacks. The biggest asset both teams have is the driving maul – it has been a huge weapon for them all season. The need to defend a fast-paced rolling maul is just as important as scoring them and you can expect both forwards coaches to be analysing and preparing for the opposition’s lineout drive.
These two teams possess arguably the most dominant packs in the league and having a solid setpiece will be crucial as they look to build from the forwards’ efforts to create momentum. Another crucial area of contention will be the breakdown. Both semi-final victories consisted of fast ruck speed and slowing down/turning over the opposition’s ball in defence.
Whoever controls the speed of the game will be a step closer to success, to create opportunities in attack and deny the opposition speed of attack.
Key breakdown battles between Exeter’s back row
Kate Zachery and Rachel Johnson versus Marlie Packer and Victoria Fleetwood will dictate momentum in the game.
Saracens will be looking to key player Holly Aitchison to steer the ship and get them territory to play a physical, fast-paced game. Holly’s normal role for Saracens and England has been at centre, but she’s had to shift across to fly-half to cover for the injured Red Rose, Zoe Harrison. Vital to both teams is discipline, as if they give away the penalty, and the opposition kick for the corner, it’s very hard to defend the steam train maul that both teams possess.
Red Roses Packer and Cleall will be key to the success of the Saracens team. The indestructible duo cause havoc to oppositions, with Packer’s tenacity, work-rate and turnover ability, as well as Cleall’s slick handling skills, dominant carries and tactical vision, making them a real threat to Exeter.
What’s clear is that the final looks like it will be one of the top games of the season, and the need for both teams to get into the game early, weather the storm, and play the phases, will be essential to break down defences.
It’s hard to predict who will win. You have an in-form Exeter who beat Saracens four weeks ago convincingly at home but are newcomers to the Premier 15s final.
Saracens have been building over the last few weeks and were wounded by the defeat to Exeter. They have performed well since then and are seasoned finalists that have experience of high-pressure games.
You’ll need to tune in at 3pm on Friday to find out who will be crowned Allianz Premier 15s champions. It should be a cracker.