SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: Premiership final key battles… Exeter have Dave Ewers’ power, Sam Simmonds’ try-scoring and Jannes Kirsten’s strength, while Wasps back row tend to hunt as a pack
- Exeter Chiefs face Wasps in the Premiership final at Twickenham on Saturday
- Battle of the two back rows will be the one to watch in English rugby’s showpiece
- Exeter have the running power of Sam Simmons and co but Jack Willis tops stats
- Stuart Hogg and Matteo Minozzi are two of most attacking full-backs in world
Exeter Chiefs are looking to secure the double on Saturday as they take on Wasps in the Premiership final at Twickenham.
English rugby’s showpiece event will go ahead as originally planned as table toppers Exeter sit as favourites against a slightly depleted Wasps side.
Sportsmail’s Sir Clive Woodward assesses all the key battles ahead of Saturday’s clash…
Sam Simmonds and the rest of his Exeter back row are set for a fascinating clash vs Wasps
THE BACK ROWS
The battle of the two units that fascinates me more than any individual clash.
Although Jack Willis dominates the jackal stats the Wasps back row tend to hunt as a pack with the others setting up Willis for the kill.
Exeter have the raw power of Dave Ewers, the dynamic power-packed running and try-scoring of Sam Simmonds and the strength of South African Jannes Kirsten. This will be some clash.
Wasps back row tend to hunt as a unit with the others allowing Jack Willis to go for the kill
JOE LAUNCHBURY VS JONNY HILL
Launchbury is so under-rated but hugely important for his team.
He is a very good all-round forward — one of the best locks at the breakdown and blessed with great hands — but perhaps his greatest skill is nicking opposition lineout ball.
Exeter have very few weaknesses but one minor achilles heel is that their line-out can be a bit fallible.
MATTEO MINOZZI VS STUART HOGG
Two of the most attacking full backs in the world.
Italy might be struggling but Minozzi is a high quality performer, an exciting talent who is benefiting from finally playing in a winning team.
His opposite number Hogg is at the very height of his powers and presents a huge attacking force to be countered.
Stuart Hogg is one of most attacking full backs in the world but so is opponent Matteo Minozzi
DAN ROBSON VS JACK MAUNDER
Robson sets the tone for Wasps at scrum half and plays with great tempo, has real gas and tracks intelligent lines to get on the shoulders of colleagues in attack.
Against him, Maunder is maturing with each match, has a quick smooth service and knows his job is to keep his pack going forward.
LEE BLACKETT VS ROB BAXTER
It’s great to see two exceptional English coaches going head to head in this showpiece game.
JACOB UMAGA VS JOE SIMMONDS
A nice contrast at No 10 in styles. Umaga is very quick and has plenty of X factor.
He can kick well but I’ve also seen his kicking game flounder.
Simmonds is very close to being the finished article and ready for England. He is taking everything in his stride.
