Chiefs fail to book a home semi-final

Match report: Saracens 35 Chiefs 18

If Exeter Chiefs are to become the first-ever side to reclaim the LV= Cup, then the hard work will have to be carried out in the rugby hotbed of the East Midlands.

The defending champions saw their hopes of a home semi-final blown away by a powerful second half display from Saracens at Allianz Park.

The Londoners produced a rock-solid display, both in attack and defence, to not only see off the Chiefs, but at the same time book their own place in the last four of the competition.

Tries from Tim Streather, Nick De Jager (2), Catalin Fercu and Matt Hankin were the highlights for Mark McCall’s side, whose remaining points came courtesy of the reliable boot of Ben Spencer.

The Chiefs played their part in the high-scoring contest, claiming tries from Sam Skinner and Tom James, but it was never enough even despite an additional eight points from skipper Ceri Sweeney.

Defeat means Rob Baxter’s men will now have to face Leicester Tigers for a place in the final, after which a date with Saracens or Northampton Saints awaits at Franklin’s Gardens next month. Ahead of kick-off, though, hopes were high within the Chiefs ranks as they again paraded a powerful line-up.

Of the 15 who took to the field against the Dragons seven days’ earlier, 13 remained in tow with the two changes coming in the back division where Dave Lewis and Max Bodilly came in for Haydn Thomas and Ian Whitten.

The opening 10 minutes, it has to be said, were little to write home about as both sides took part in an extended game of kick tennis.

The occasional scrum, coupled with the odd break here or there, momentarily brought the game out of it’s slumber, but it was defences who ruled the roost in the opening exchanges.

However, the deadlock was finally broken five minutes later when Saracens claimed the opening try of the game.

With the Chiefs looking to clear their lines following a scrum, Sweeney’s pass out to Max Bodilly saw the young centre’s intended charged down by opposite number Streather who, in an instance, pounced on the loose ball to glide over for the score, which Spencer duly converted.

The Chiefs looked to respond almost immediately as winger Tom James caused havoc in the home ranks with a bulldozing raid off the left flank, but his charge – then a misfiring line-out chance – saw the visitors spurn two golden opportunities in as many minutes.

At the other end, Sarries showed their killer instinct yet again as Nils Mordt powered his way through the heart of the Exeter defence before the ball was shipped at pace through the hands of Maro Itoje and Ben Ransom to De Jager, who was able to cross with little fuss for a second converted score.

In truth it was no more than the Londoners deserved following a bright opening. However, they could have added to their tally on 27 minutes when Chiefs’ lock Will Carrick-Smith was penalised for holding on in the tackle.

Thankfully, Spencer’s long-range attempt sailed wide of the right post and the Devonians were spared. Exeter made the most of the let-off and with a well-drilled driving maul, they positioned themselves deep inside the Saracens 22 for their latest attack.

The forwards did the donkey work, driving their rivals back with a simple pick-and-go game which, it appeared, had got them to the line.

The officials, though, were unclear and following a brief consultation with the TV match official, no try was awarded and Baxter’s men had to settle instead for a five-metre scrum.

The first set-piece saw the Exeter eight apply the shove – only to win another penalty – but on the reset the outcome was far more rewarding as they once again combined as one to drive young No.8 Skinner over from short-range.

The experienced Sweeney added the obligatory extras, before landing a long-range penalty just before the break to keep the Chiefs firmly in the contest at the turn.

Half time: Saracens 14 Exeter Chiefs 10.