Saracens v Exeter predictions: expect Chiefs to dig in

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Saracens v Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher Premiership.

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 3pm Sunday

Best bet

Saracens to win by one to 12 points
2pts 6-4 bet365

Match preview

Exeter were given a boost in their quest for a playoff place by Gloucester's last-gasp defeat at Bristol on Friday night and they will be desperate to take something from Sunday's tough trip to second-placed Saracens.

Given the form of the two sides a losing bonus point may be the best the Chiefs can take away, but they look sure to dig in and fight for whatever they can get.

Sarries have looked assured going into the final rounds of the season, with just one defeat in their last seven, but they also seem to be putting in more measured performances.

Eight of their first nine victories were by a double-figure margin but just one of the last five has reached that level - a 36-21 success over Newcastle.

Exeter haven't been able to find the same sort of consistency, and a four-match winning streak in February and March was followed by back-to-back losses against Worcester and Leicester before they bounced back against bottom side Bath this month.

They are given a ten-point start, their biggest handicap since the end of the 2019-20 season when they were rotating their side heavily, but only two of their nine defeats this term have been by a double-figure margin, and they were in September and October.

Exeter have lost some of their edge this season as teams have learned to deal with their attacking threat, and injury to number eight Sam Simmonds is a big loss, but they can go down fighting at Sarries.

Earlier on Sunday England's women will look to set up a Grand Slam showdown with France next week when they take on Ireland at Welford Road (midday, BBC Two).

The Red Roses are three from three in the tournament with a points tally of 189 scored and just ten conceded. Bookmakers expect another rout, giving Ireland a handicap start in the 60s.

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