Chiefs side to face Wasps

Bringing together the division’s top two sides following the culmination of the regular season, now these two Premiership prize-fighters are set to slug it out in what promises to be a ding-dong final round of action.

Not surprisingly, the Chiefs’ Director of Rugby is relishing the heavyweight showdown, which is a repeat of the 2017 final, which the Devonians won in extra-time to claim their one and only Premiership crown to date.

“It’s been a tough season for all of us, but we’ve got to the end and it’s great that the teams that finished one and two in the table, then came through the semi-finals, are now contesting the final,” said Baxter.

“Wasps have been smouldering for a few weeks, sitting there waiting, preparing, getting themselves ready for what in every sense is the biggest game of the season. “Yes, we had last week to contend with, but that’s gone now and it’s this weekend which is the most important thing. That’s what we have spoke to the players this week about.

“In every meeting we’ve said to them we have got to make sure we hit the pitch and match Wasps in every area because we know they are going to bring a physicality and an intensity that will be right up there. There is no point being in a final if you don’t match that intensity that the opposition bring.”

The Chiefs, though, will come into the contest oozing with confidence having secured a first-ever European crown with victory over Racing 92 in last weekend’s Champions Cup Final in Bristol.

In what Baxter described as a ‘fantastic occasion’ for the club, he said the focus on celebrations was quickly curtailed, safe in the knowledge that his side could achieve a dream double and write themselves into folklore.

Securing the double would be the stuff of dreams for Baxter and the Chiefs, but the Exeter leader knows that nothing is given in sport and that past experience has taught him it’s what is produced on the day that ultimately counts.

“Of course you dream,” said Baxter. “We’re one game away from doing the double, but experience has taught me many times that dreams don’t count for much, it’s the hard work you put out on the field which makes it all happen. All we can do is hope and pray that the team make it happen on Saturday and that we win the final.”

Although victorious, Baxter has made changes to his winning formula of a week ago. Up front, Sam Skinner takes over from his Scottish international team-mate Jonny Gray, while Jannes Kirsten is preferred to compatriot Jacques Vermeulen in the back-row.

Behind them, Ollie Devoto comes into the centre alongside Henry Slade, while Olly Woodburn is given the nod over Tom O’Flaherty on the right wing. With the exception of O’Flaherty, Gray, Vermeulen and Ian Whitten all drop to the bench, alongside Gareth Steenson, the club’s record points-scorer, who will be making his final appearance in a Chiefs jersey.

The Ulsterman is set to join the club’s coaching team next season after 12 years of service with the Chiefs. During that time he has amassed 311 appearances, scored 2,630 points, and helped the club out of the Championship and onto title success in the Premiership, Anglo-Welsh Cup and, most recently, Champions Cup.