Saracens vs Leicester Tigers, Allianz Park
The first semi-final sees the recently crowned European champions hosting a reinvigorated Tigers side who, despite something of a transitory season in terms of their style of play, find themselves in the play-offs for a staggering 12th year in a row.
Saracens, of course, stick with the same team that did the business in Lyon. Richard Wigglesworth and Owen Farrell’s command of the pitch through their kicking was imperious that day, and they will be key again. Up front the focus will again be on MOTM Maro Itoje, but he of course has a sublime supporting cast that boasts the likes of George Kruis and the Vunipola brothers.
Leicester have nothing to lose and their line-up suggest they are not going to die wondering. Brendan O’Connor returns to the back-row to join Lachlan McCaffrey, both players that love to roam and are comfortable with ball in hand. Thacker, Kitchener and Barrow are similarly mobile, while there are threats everywhere in the backline with Veianu, Tuilagi, Goneva and Betham all lurking. The Tigers’ real test will come at the set piece, where they have been demolished by Saracens before.
Looking at this game in isolation, you have to make Saracens heavy favourites. They have been the most consistent side this season, and have shown in the European Cup that they have perfected their “knockout rugby” game. The Tigers have a horrible record at Allianz Park, most recently being pumped this season in a game that saw them concede two penalty tries at the scrum.
The visitors’ only real hope is that Saracens’ hunger is just diminished slightly by their European win at the weekend, and that they consequently take their eye slightly off the ball for a moment. That, or they’ve spent the whole week partying to celebrate their success. Something, though, tells me this group of Saracens are far too professional for either of those scenarios. They should be good enough to set themselves up for a tilt at a consecutive Premiership title. Saracens by 6.
Exeter Chiefs vs Wasps, Sandy Park
Saturday’s later semi-final sees Exeter and Wasps renew what has become a fantastic rivalry this season. The two sides have met each other three times already, with Exeter leading the way on victories 2-1, including their most recent match-up, a 24-3 win at Sandy Park in the league.
Intriguingly, Don Armand is preferred to Thomas Waldrom at number eight for the hosts. Armand has had a fine season and is more mobile than Waldrom, perhaps an indication of how they expect Wasps to play. The understated excellence of Ian Whitten is also preferred in the centre to the more explosive Sam Hill. As ever, the dual play-making talents of Gareth Steenson and Henry Slade will provide the Chiefs with ample attacking outlets.
Wasps name what has become a familiar line-up for their first trip to the Premiership knockouts in eight years. Frank Halai, Christian Wade and Charles Piutau form a box office back three, with Elliot Daly and Siale Piutau offering different but equally dangerous threats in the midfield. RPA player of the year George Smith’s battle with old Aussie sparring partner Julian Salvi will be both fascinating and crucial.
If it is too simple to label this game as the power of Exeter against the flair of Wasps, that is certainly the narrative that has played out in recent encounters between the two sides. Exeter certainly have several strings to their bow, including some lethal backs, but their successes against Wasps this season have been built on the foundation of beating them up up front.
Exeter are in their first knockout series, while Wasps have returned for the first time since the glory days of the mid-noughties. These two have become the best of enemies in recent times, and the games between them have been nothing short of epic. Despite everything that is on the line, expect them both to stay true to their philosophies and serve up another belter. At home, I make the Chiefs favourites. Exeter by 3.
By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
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It was even worse for the Tigers at Allianz, three penalty tries!
I agree that the Exeter Wasps game will be closer, but I think the Sarries Leicester game could have a bigger margin than 6 points. Tigers may have nothing to lose and Sarries have everything, but after last weekend I think they will be more hungry than ever to retain the Premiership title. Barritt vs Tuilagi will be very interesting and I expect to see Tigers back line running at Ashton when they get the chance to wind him up.
Just seen that JP Doyle is the ref for the Sarries Tigers game!! There goes any chance of either team getting to play how they want to. Expect lots of badly refereed scrums and missed high tackles and knock ons.
Ewers, Salvi, Armand vs Haskell, Smith and Hughes is going to be fun to watch!