Chiefs unsuccesful in Saracens match

Saracens 23 Exeter Chiefs 10

There was no fat lady singing on this occasion – instead we had a Marilyn Monroe tribute act to contend with - but Exeter Chiefs’ latest outing to Allianz Park again hit a bum note.

Having come unstuck against both Northampton Saints and Bath in the past fortnight, Rob Baxter’s side made it an unwanted hat-trick of losses against the Aviva Premiership’s top three as hosts Saracens produced a powerful second half display to seal victory.

A converted try from hooker Schalk Brits, together with three penalties from the boot of fly-half Charlie Hodgson, proved sufficient enough for Mark McCall’s men to not only claim a league double over their Devon rivals, but at the same time ensure they celebrated their venue’s first anniversary in some style. Up until that point, the Chiefs had more than held their own as Ian Whitten’s converted try had ensured the two sides turned round at the interval locked in a 7-7 stalemate after prop James Johnston claimed a converted score of his own on his return to first-team duty.

And although Exeter playmaker Gareth Steenson momentarily nudged his team back in front just minutes into the second period, the Chiefs were unable to hold on as the Londoners kicked into overdrive.

Ahead of kick-off, Baxter tinkered with his line-up bringing in Fetu’u Vainikolo for Tom James and Henry Slade, whose inclusion meant a reshuffle in midfield with Phil Dollman shifting to full-back in place of Luke Arscott.

Saracens, meanwhile, were also able to field a powerful array of talent as they made eight changes to the side that won 15-10 at Sale Sharks last time out. Behind, Ben Ransom, Joel Tomkins and Chris Wyles were all given the nod from the outset as were Richard Barrington, Schalk Brits, Johnston, Mouritz Botha and skipper Ernst Joubert up front.

It was, however, the visitors who were the first to show against a strong wind in their faces. Whitten and Vainikolo set the early tone with some promising attacking raids, before back-row duo Ben White and Dave Ewers showed their worth with a neat inter-change that had the home defence scrambling.

Exeter’s vibrant opening, though, was to get even better as on ten minutes they broke the deadlock with the game’s opening try. Steenson initiated the attack as he stepped off his right boot to leave a trail of defenders in his wake. He linked cleverly with Tom Johnson who, having seen his raid halted, was then able to get round moments later as the ball was recycled to feed Whitten, who did the rest as he powered his way over in the right-hand corner for the converted score.

Moments later and the Chiefs were again on the front foot as Tongan international Vainikolo set off on a bulldozing run that left a trail of destruction in his wake. Saracens were all at sea as the winger tore through the middle and it took at least three defenders to finally halt his charge. 

At the other end, former England international Hodgson then saw a long-range penalty drift wide of the right post after the Chiefs were pulled up for dropping a scrum just inside their own half.

*Pictures: Exeter Rugby Club/Pinnacle Photo Agency

Referee: W Barnes.

Attendance: 8,114

UP NEXT FOR THE CHIEFS: v London Irish (H), Aviva Premiership, Saturday, March 1 (3pm) -

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