- Fixture: Exeter Chiefs vs Sale Sharks
- Date: Saturday, 31 May 2025
- Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter
Match Preview
The curtain comes down on the Gallagher Premiership regular season at Sandy Park this Saturday as the Exeter Chiefs host the playoff-chasing Sale Sharks. While Exeter’s hopes of reaching the postseason have faded, pride and home dominance remain at stake, and the Chiefs will be determined to finish their campaign on a high note in front of their loyal fans. Sale, meanwhile, arrive with everything to play for, needing a win to secure their place in the top four and keep their title dreams alive.
Exeter’s recent form has been a mixed bag. The Chiefs have struggled for consistency, notching just two wins in their last five league matches. Their most recent outings include a heavy 79-17 defeat at Gloucester and a narrow 24-26 loss at home to the same opposition. Injuries have been a persistent theme for Exeter this season, with key players such as Greg Fisilau (shoulder surgery), Ben Hammersley (PCL injury), Joe Hawkins (ankle), and Max Norey (shoulder) all sidelined. These absences have forced the Chiefs to rely on their younger squad members, which has brought flashes of promise but also exposed their lack of experience at times.
Sale Sharks, in contrast, come into this clash in excellent form and with real momentum. They have won four of their last five Premiership fixtures, climbing into the playoff spots and showing the kind of resilience and attacking flair that makes them a genuine threat in the knockout stages. Their recent run has been spearheaded by the tactical brilliance of George Ford at fly-half and the finishing prowess of Tom Roebuck on the wing. Sale have managed to avoid major injury setbacks, allowing them to field a settled and confident side as the business end of the season approaches.
With no international call-ups or suspensions disrupting selections this week, both teams are expected to field their strongest available lineups. Exeter will be desperate to give their supporters something to cheer about after a challenging campaign, while Sale know that any slip-up could cost them a coveted playoff berth. The atmosphere at Sandy Park is sure to be electric, with the Chiefs looking to spoil Sale’s party and the visitors aiming to keep their season alive.
Expect a fiercely contested encounter. Exeter’s pack will look to impose themselves up front, while Sale’s structured defence and clinical backline could prove decisive. The Chiefs will be buoyed by their home support and eager to restore pride, but Sale’s motivation and recent form make them slight favourites in what should be an absorbing Premiership finale.
Key Players to Watch
- Exeter Chiefs:
- Dafydd Jenkins (lock): The engine of the pack and a leader in the set piece.
- Tom Cairns (scrum-half): Quick distribution and a sharp eye for gaps.
- Rusi Tuima (back row): Powerful ball carrier, vital with injuries elsewhere.
- Josh Hodge (full-back): Elusive runner and counter-attacking threat.
- Sale Sharks:
- George Ford (fly-half): The orchestrator, with tactical kicking and game management.
- Tom Roebuck (wing): Lethal finisher, always a try-scoring danger.
- Sam Dugdale (back row): Brings energy and physicality at the breakdown.
- Rob du Preez (centre): Reliable in both attack and defence, a calming influence.
Prediction
With Exeter out of the playoff race and Sale needing a win to secure their postseason spot, the visitors come in as favourites. Exeter’s injuries and inconsistency have hampered their campaign, while Sale’s strong form and motivation should be enough to see them over the line. Expect Exeter to put up a fight, especially at home, but Sale’s quality and focus should prove decisive.
Predicted score: Exeter Chiefs 22 – 27 Sale Sharks
Betting Markets & Odds
| Market | Selection | Odds | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match Winner | Sale Sharks | 5/6 | Bet Now |
| Handicap (-4.5) | Sale Sharks | 10/11 | Bet Now |
| Total Points Over/Under | Over 44.5 | 10/11 | Bet Now |
| First Try Scorer | Tom Roebuck | 8/1 | Bet Now |
| Anytime Try Scorer | Rusi Tuima | 7/2 | Bet Now |
Odds are indicative and subject to change. Please check the latest prices before placing a bet.
Sandy Park is set for a thrilling season finale. Exeter will be playing for pride and to give their fans a memorable send-off, while Sale Sharks are fighting for their playoff lives—expect drama, intensity, and top-class rugby action!
