A new piece of history to write in Twickenham

“Mister I ain’t a boy, no, I’m a man; And I believe in the promised land.” The lyrics rang around the Sandy Park changing room in pre-season as Rob Baxter explained to his men that their “promised land” was the Gallagher PREM final.

Exeter Chiefs are one short step away from walking into the sacred ground this weekend. Northampton Saints at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham is the only thing standing between them and Bruce Springsteen’s inspiration.

The atmosphere will begin building long before kick-off. There will be one last moment to savour the anticipation of the day as Chiefs make the walk down Twickenham’s drive and in through the Rose and Poppy Gates at 13:15 on Saturday afternoon.

Later, as Dafydd Jenkins leads the team out in their alternate white kit, it may inspire fond memories for avid Chiefs supporters who remember their side’s first domestic title won in the same colour back in May 2017.

Only three men remain from that day’s match 23. Club captain Jack Yeandle will be leading the charge from the stands this time around, injured in Chiefs’ round 13 match against today’s opposition. However, Olly Woodburn and Henry Slade are still fiercely striving to retain their starting positions from last weekend’s electric play-off at the Recreation Ground.

Five years on from their last appearance in the season finale, Chiefs will be looking to write a new piece of history into their already impressive Prem journey. The club once seen as the scrappy newcomers from the southwest when they were promoted in 2010 have come a long way. In the 16 years since their first top-flight match, Baxter has led Chiefs to six previous finals.

Some have been triumphs; some have been heartache. The losses made the adulation of 2017 and 2020 all the sweeter. However, each one has had its own memorable element. Nic White scoring after just 25 seconds, Gareth Steenson’s extra-time penalty or the ecstasy of sealing the double.

This latest final appearance will be no mean feat. The accomplishment of reaching this grandest of stages is already an impressive undertaking for both clubs, having both finished last season’s campaign in eight and ninth positions in the table.

Northampton Saints, two years on from handing Phil Dowson his first trophy as director of rugby, are an attacking beast. Their backline especially is littered with international quality which enables them to play and exciting brand of free-flowing rugby. Add to that the weighty presence of the likes of Alex Coles, Danillo Fischetti, Josh Kemeny and Henry Pollock, their pack is more than capable of producing on the big stage.

Chiefs have never minded the underdog tag. Who could forget Steenson, the unwanted player from Ulster, confidently kicking them into the Prem in the first place against a stacked Bristol Bears squad. The Cornish lads Jack Nowell and Luke Cowan-Dickie making Devon proud, or adopted Devonians the likes of Dave Dennis, Don Armand and White stamping their names upon Prem history.

The cohesiveness of the Exeter squad this season has been evident in every peak and trough they have weathered so far. The unity and close-knit bonds of the squad often quoted by Baxter and his players as being integral to their on-pitch playing style.

That in addition to the evident talent is a lethal combination. Captain Jenkins has struck up a seamless partnership with the unearthed gem that is Italian international Andrea Zambonin. At half-backs, Stephen Varney and Harvey Skinner have brought one another alive. Henry Slade’s dependability matches the electricity provided by Len Ikitau while a back-row that can call upon Tom Hooper, Ross Vintcent, Ethan Roots, Christ Tshiunza or Greg Fisilau has been barnstorming.

As the Allianz Stadium looks to be nearing a sell-out, 82,000 fans both neutral and devoted to their club, will more than likely be treated to another enthralling encounter.