How to Prepare for Your Own Premiership Final

  • May 23rd, 2018
  • Tom Bean

This Saturday see's the Aviva Premiership Rugby season come to a head as Exeter Chiefs look to defend their title against Saracens in the final at Twickenham.

The Chiefs brushed aside the Newcastle Falcons in their semi-final last weekend; we don't like to say it was a stroll in the park, however going in at half-time with 92% possession and with only 5 of their team having made a tackle provides some pretty damning evidence to suggest it was nothing but that.

The result set up the clash with Saracens, who squeezed past Wasps in a closer, high-scoring battle. Neither team are short of Premiership Final experience with Exeter looking to be only the fourth team in history to win back-to-back titles, and having been in the three previous finals before last year, Saracens certainly won't be overawed by the occasion come 3pm.

After a shaky start to 2018, Exeter have timed their charge to the final perfectly, finding a rich vein of form that has led to them winning their last 10 games in all competitions. Most notable was the 24-12 win over Saracens back in March which set up a flawless run of results up to now. The result also ensured the Chiefs overcame their Premiership rivals on each of the four occasions this season.

On the other side of the coin, since that result at Sandy Park in March, Saracens have been in blistering form of their own, recording some massive wins in their last five games of the regular season. They will be gee'd by two 50 point wins as well as getting almost 60 points on the board in their semi-final against Wasps, meaning they go into the final on a crest of a high-scoring wave.

With Exeter holding the bragging rights this season between the two clubs, as well as being reigning champions, they will go into the game high in confidence and probably slight favourites. However, with Saracens scoring ability at the moment and their experience of the 2016 Final, where they beat Exeter, to call upon, they will certainly fancy their chances.

Coaches Corner


Exeter Chiefs head coach, Rob Baxter, said how being reigning champions puts his team in a difficult position but they go to Twickenham 'expectant of a good performance. I wouldn't say we go there expecting to win, I'd say we go there with an expectation that we know we can play well there.' The team that takes to the field on Saturday will only have four players from last year's Premiership Final team which Baxter thinks will play into the Chief's hands as they have tried 'to create is a team that wants to go out there and win it again'.


How to Prepare for the Big Game


It will be a fascinating encounter come 15:00 on Saturday but how is best to prepare and what can you do to make sure that you're on top of you game when your big game comes around?

Keep busy


In the few days before the event, stay occupied and make sure you take time out of practice to relax and switch your focus away from the game. Go for walks, listen to music, do some cooking etc. to settle nerves to avoid becoming mentally fatigued.

Don't look too far ahead


Obviously, you want to come out of your big game victorious, winning is what motivates you to train harder to be the best. Focussing too much on the success and the potential rewards, will make you lose sight of the process. Keep focussed on how to win, rather than what you gain from winning.

Sleep well


Rest is so important prior to a big game. When you're tired, you can become easily agitated and nerves will create negative emotions. Whereas, when you're well rested, they can be used to create positive energy.

Stay focussed on you and your job


Coming into a big game, it is easy to let your mind drift; 'that player on their team is really good!', 'I hope I play well so I don't let my family down!', 'what is the coach thinking?' etc. Instead, recall what you do well in games to boost confidence and settle nerves.

Go out and enjoy the challenge


This is what you have been dreaming about since you were a kid so go out and there have fun! Look at the game as a fun challenge that you can't wait to take on then go out there and play your best game.