In the second semi-final Exeter Chiefs are heading into uncharted waters but are happily doing so on home soil. Wasps’ recent domestic play-off experience isn’t much greater as they’re back into the Premiership play-off for the first time since 2008.
As I’m sure everyone remembers in Round 22 the Chiefs absolutely thumped Harlequins and scored 10-tries in the process but regardless Rob Baxter has chosen to freshen up his side. Ben Moon and Luke Cowan-Dickie come into the front-row; Geoff Parling replaces the injured Damian Welch while Don Armand has recovered from an elbow injury and is preferred at No 8 to Thomas Waldrom. In the backs Ian Whitten is given the nod at centre ahead of Sam Hill, while Olly Woodburn is selected ahead of James Short.
In my mind Rob choosing to mix up selection is a positive sign, for a couple of reasons. First, it shows the strength in depth that he has at his disposal because those starting this week are just as strong as those that ran out at The Stoop. Second, it provides a pool of players that will be itching to come off the bench and make an impact and third he’s set out his stall for a mobile and quick start and in a home play-off that’s vital for momentum.
Wasps’ last outing was against London Irish therefore their personnel changes were expected. Earlier in the week it was a great shame to hear about Thomas Young’s injuries, hamstring and shoulder. After a stellar seaso, he deserved to take his place in this Premiership play-off and his mobility and athleticism in the loose would have been vital for Wasps. Jake Cooper-Woolley returns from injury in their front row and as you’d expect the back line remains in all of its glory; Robson, Gopperth, Halai, Piuatu, Daly, Wade, Piutau.
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| (C) Paler Images Henry Slade will have a big role to play on home soil |
With three previous meetings between the two they know each other well and we know just how exciting this Premiership play-off is going to be. Exeter’s form is the stronger of the two and with such an imperious home record, having lost just one at home since January 2015, they are favourites. Rob Baxter said to me at the beginning of the season that he wanted to get his players to May still playing rugby with a smile on their face and ready to take things to another level and he’s achieved that.
Today Exeter have to channel the experience that they gained during the big games this season. In the back line as captain, and fly-half, Gareth Steenson must lead the game with distinction and Henry Slade has another opportunity to show Eddie Jones his worth and deliver those moments of brilliance that he makes look easy. In the forward pack it's a big opportunity for a fairly young front row to excel, Geoff Parling must provide a cool and experienced head the lineout and the back row need to endeavour to keep George Smith quiet.
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| (C) Paler Images Elliot Daly needs to raise his game at Sandy Park |
Wasps have played some of the most dynamic rugby of all this season, but recently dropped off slightly. In the final few rounds of the Premiership it looked like they were in need of a break and the hope will be that their two-week lead into this game has provided them with that time to freshen up. It’s vital that Wasps fire some early shots and get their attacking game moving, the magic that the likes of Halai, Wade and Piutau (either) can produce has to arrive. Last time that these two met we saw Wasps pacify Exeter’s driving maul, the weapon that pull them apart at the Ricoh, and they’ll need to continue to do this from the word go. As ever the influence of their back row will be king; George Smith knows a thing or two about knockout rugby, as does James Haskell and Nathan Hughes needs to get back to his sublime best at Sandy Park. It's the role of Wasps' ball carriers to get the front foot ball that their game plan craves and if they do then we'll see magic unfold out the back because that's what it will take to get around Chiefs' defence.
At this point in the season there's no room for nerves or self doubt. It's a tough ask for Wasps to head to Sandy Park, especially after what happened the last time that they were there, but they have to arrive with a touch of swagger knowing how good they can be and show that. Exeter are in their groove right now and they have the comfort of being on home soil with fans that will be going absolutely nuts for them! The long and the short of it is that this should be a cracking semi-final because we've two sides that love to play positive attacking rugby combined with experienced and powerful packs.
Exeter Chiefs: 15 Phil Dollman 14 Jack Nowell 13 Henry Slade 12 Ian Whitten 11 Olly Woodburn 10 Gareth Steenson (C) 9 Will Chudley 1 Ben Moon 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie 3 Harry Williams 4 Mitch Lees 5 Geoff Parling 6 Dave Ewers 7 Julian Salvi 8 Don Armand Replacements: 16 Jack Yeandle 17 Alec Hepburn 18 Tomas Francis 19 Ollie Atkins 20 Thomas Waldrom 21 Dave Lewis 22 Sam Hill 23 James Short
Wasps: 15 Charles Piutau 14 Christian Wade 13 Elliot Daly 12 Siale Piutau 11 Frank Halai 10 Jimmy Gopperth 9 Dan Robson 1 Matt Mullan 2 Carlo Festuccia 3 Jake Cooper-Woolley 4 Joe Launchbury 5 Bradley Davies 6 James Haskell (C) 7 George Smith 8 Nathan Hughes Replacements: 16 Ashley Johnson 17 Simon McIntyre 18 Lorenzo Cittadini 19 Will Rowlands 20 Sam Jones 21 Joe Simpson 22 Ruaridh Jackson 23 Rob Miller
Wasps: 15 Charles Piutau 14 Christian Wade 13 Elliot Daly 12 Siale Piutau 11 Frank Halai 10 Jimmy Gopperth 9 Dan Robson 1 Matt Mullan 2 Carlo Festuccia 3 Jake Cooper-Woolley 4 Joe Launchbury 5 Bradley Davies 6 James Haskell (C) 7 George Smith 8 Nathan Hughes Replacements: 16 Ashley Johnson 17 Simon McIntyre 18 Lorenzo Cittadini 19 Will Rowlands 20 Sam Jones 21 Joe Simpson 22 Ruaridh Jackson 23 Rob Miller
