Exeter Chiefs beat Saracens 32-12 on June 6 to secure a place in the Premiership playoff semi-finals, moving up to third in the standings [1, 2]. The victory marked Exeter's first playoff qualification since 2021 and ended Mark McCall’s 15-year tenure as head coach of Saracens. "In doing so, they also officially drew the curtains on Mark McCall’s 15-year tenure in charge of Sarries," The Guardian reported, adding the match was "hard, unforgiving and intense," exactly McCall’s type of game at least in the first half [2].
Saracens’ scrum-half Charlie Bracken was sent to the sin bin with a yellow card just before halftime for a deliberate knock-on, reducing Saracens to 14 men at a crucial stage [1, 2]. The tide turned after Bracken’s departure, as Exeter seized the advantage to score multiple tries while Saracens struggled to cope with the numerical disadvantage [2].
Exeter scored four tries through Norey, Slade, Zambonin, and Varney. Henry Slade contributed significantly, kicking three conversions and two penalties [1]. Saracens managed two tries, scored by Elliott and Isiekwe [1].
With this win, Exeter prepares to face Bath in the playoff semi-final later this season [1, 2].
