Match Centre: Gallagher Premiership: Saracens 29-14 Exeter Chiefs

Saracens 29-14 Exeter Chiefs, StoneX Stadium

Saracens Men continued their flawless start to the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership season with a commanding 29-14 bonus-point win over Exeter Chiefs at StoneX Stadium. The victory marks their third consecutive win, solidifying their position at the top of the table as the only team with a perfect record this season.

Strong Start and Dominant Display

The Men in Black took control from the outset, maintaining early possession and creating scoring opportunities. The breakthrough came in the 18th minute when Jamie George crossed the line from a rolling maul to put Saracens ahead 5-0. Despite a strong defensive effort from Exeter, Saracens added a second try through Tobias Elliott, who showcased his pace and footwork to score from 60 metres, extending the lead to 12-0.

Saracens’ relentless pressure paid off as Ben Earl powered through Exeter’s defence for the third try of the match, giving the hosts a 19-0 advantage. Exeter’s Josh Hodge briefly brought the Chiefs back into contention with a try just before halftime, making it 19-7.

Second Half Seals the Game

Saracens quickly reasserted their dominance after the break. Ben Earl secured his second try of the afternoon following a clever run from Elliott, stretching the lead to 29-7. Despite Exeter’s best efforts and a second try from Hodge, the Chiefs struggled to break through Saracens’ solid defensive line.

The win, marked by five tries and strong defensive play, ensures Saracens maintain their position at the summit of the Premiership standings.

Team line up:

Saracens: Daly; Elliott, Lozowski, Tompkins, Segun; Burke, van Zyl (capt); Carre, George, Riccioni, Isiekwe, Tizard, McFarland, Earl, Willis.

Reserves: Dan, Maw, Hoskins, Onyeama-Christie, Gonzalez Samso, Knight, Bracken, Goode.

Exeter: Hodge; Feyi-Waboso, Woodburn, Hawkins, Hammersley; Haydon-Wood, Maunder; Goodrick-Clarke, Yeandle (capt), Street, Dunne, Tshiunza, Roots, Capstick, Fisilau.

Reserves: Innard, Blose, Iosefa-Scott, Tuima, Moloney, Cairns, Skinner, Rigg.