Grit and bravery have driven the remarkable revival of Northampton and Exeter as they prepare for the grand final. Both clubs, who finished second and third bottom of the Premiership table only 12 months ago, have shown what is achievable with collective desire to stay positive.
Exeter's Thrilling Victory
Exeter needed every ounce of grit and resilience in Bath on Saturday as they held out for 41 phases to clinch a sensational 27-26 victory, having trailed 26-10 at half-time. Bath will rue their second-half decision-making, relying on forward power until circumstances demanded a switch to other forms of smart energy. Without the injured Finn Russell, Bath's conservative pick-and-go game eventually backfired.
Northampton's Conviction
Northampton never lost the courage of their convictions against Leicester on Friday night, putting seven tries past excellent opposition. Fin Smith, England fly-half at the heart of Northampton's backline, emphasized tactical bravery for the final: "Just because it's a final doesn't mean you have to be all cagey. You can still go and play a certain style of rugby if you're brave enough."
Catalysts and Resilience
Henry Pollock was "absolutely unbelievable" in Northampton's win, with 26 carries and a refusal to be intimidated. Denying Pollock and co will not be easy, but Exeter have been upending predictions, seeing off Bath twice plus Saracens and Leicester en route to their first Prem final since 2021.
Tom Hooper, Exeter's Wallaby back-rower, said the willingness to stand firm amid Bath's late bombardment was no accident. "That comes from the top down. Rob Baxter came in at half-time and said he was weirdly confident based on how we looked." Exeter's defence has been the meanest, conceding 169 fewer points than Northampton across the regular season and keeping Bath scoreless after half-time.
Final Outlook
Northampton's task will be tougher if Ethan Roots or Manny Feyi-Waboso are fit to bolster Exeter's squad. Northampton will be favourites, but if the final is half as entertaining as the semis, another unmissable occasion awaits.
