Written by Darry Worthington for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
Northampton Saints vs Exeter Chiefs | Friday, 1 January | Franklin Gardens | 17:00
After a disappointing showing against one of the Aviva Premiership’s lower-ranked teams last time, the Northampton Saints are gearing up to face the surging Exeter Chiefs. With Saracens just two points ahead of Exeter at the top of the Aviva Premiership table, the Chiefs will be coming into this game full throttle.
The big question is: Will Northampton recover and steady their rocky form, or will Exeter stretch their lead, closing in on the Saracens?
Match Odds (80 minutes):
Saints: 3/10
Draw: 23/1
Chiefs: 24/10
Northampton Saints
Northampton’s recent performance was underwhelming, leaving fans wondering what’s happening behind the scenes. Despite having a talented squad and excellent coaching, consistency over a full match remains a struggle. Last weekend’s game highlighted their inability to maintain intensity for the entire 80 minutes.
They trailed 15-8 at halftime but came out strong after the break. George North’s try narrowed the gap, and Kahn Fotuali boosted the Saints into the lead. Steven Myler’s reliable conversion gave them a five-point advantage heading into the final quarter.
However, instead of opting for a controlled and territory-focused approach, Northampton tried to open the game up, leading to costly turnovers in their own 22-metre zone. They paid the price when a defensive scrum error gifted the opposition a penalty try, dashing their hopes of a win. This result means the Saints have now gone three matches without a victory, which is concerning for a side with high ambitions both domestically and in Europe.
Exeter Chiefs
Exeter roared to life in the second half against Sale, scoring two tries and securing a commanding 33-17 bonus point victory. This win positions them within touching distance of topping the Aviva Premiership table as the new year begins.
With Saracens narrowly leading by just two points, the Chiefs will be aiming for a full five-point haul in this fixture. Key to their success is eighthman Thomas Waldrom, whose incredible try-scoring prowess has been a constant threat this season. His recent try against Sale showcased his impact, and there’s every chance he’ll trouble Northampton’s defence again.
The Chiefs’ forwards, especially in the driving maul, have shown immense power and effectiveness. Given Northampton’s comparatively lighter pack, expect Exeter to exploit every penalty inside Saints’ territory by kicking for the corner and applying pressure.
Prediction: Exeter Chiefs 24/10
I find it hard to see Northampton containing this disciplined and powerful Chiefs side. Backing the Chiefs for a comprehensive win looks like the smart play.
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