Chiefs playing it cool ahead of LV= Cup final clash with Saracens

Geoff Rodgers 04:34 22/03/2015
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  • No pressure: Ben White.

    Exeter flanker Ben White claims the pressure on the Chiefs to retain LV= Cup crown is less than it was before last year’s triumph.

    Chiefs claimed their first piece of major silverware in their 143-year history by beating Northampton Saints 12 months ago. They now have a shot of defending that title in today’s final (kickoff: 19:00) at Franklin’s Gardens against Saracens.

    “When we played at home last year in the final there was a lot more pressure to win,” White said. “This time round there’s going to be less pressure and that means we can just go out there and attack and really just enjoy the occasion.

    “It’s going to be a tough game, it always is against Saracens and I’m sure it’s going to be a great game.”

    The Chiefs, who will be unchanged from the XV that beat Leicester in the semi-final, will be up against a youthful Sarries outfit who are unbeaten in the Premiership A League and LV=Cup this season and are led by England Saxons back row forward Maro Itoje. Saracens have run in 52 tries with 18 different scorers.

    “I think the atmosphere Joe and his team have helped cultivate in this group is a great achievement,” said director of rugby Mark McCall.

    “They have been positive, played some great rugby and the team has scrapped for each other throughout the A League and the LV=Cup.”

    Saracens make one change with Richard Barrington in at loosehead prop in place of Rhys Gill, who is on international duty with Wales.

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