The Exeter Chiefs' journey to the Premiership final is a testament to the power of leadership and belief. Henry Slade, a veteran England center, has been instrumental in this transformation. Despite a controversial sin-binning for a deliberate knock-on, Slade's influence on the team's mindset is undeniable.
Slade's experience and influence are particularly notable given the recent turnover in the team. The departure of key players like Jack Nowell, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Sam Simmonds, and Stuart Hogg due to financial constraints left a void. The arrival of new players didn't immediately translate to success, with consecutive seventh-placed finishes and a disappointing ninth place last term. However, Slade's presence and guidance have been pivotal in turning things around.
Rob Baxter, the Exeter boss, highlights Slade's leadership and communication skills as vital. He notes that Slade's actions on the field, such as his sin-binning, were followed by a realization and a commitment to improve. This incident, rather than being a setback, became a catalyst for a historic comeback against Bath, where the Chiefs overcame a 26-10 deficit to win 27-26.
Baxter's commentary underscores the importance of belief and experience. He suggests that Slade's presence helps the team understand their potential, drawing from his own experiences in the Premiership and the World Cup. This belief is further strengthened by the fact that Slade is one of the few players left from the club's glory days, having helped Exeter reach six successive Premiership finals and win the European Champions Cup in 2020.
The challenge for Exeter now is to build on this momentum and success. Baxter expresses a desire to see the soon-to-be-departing players, like Scott Sio, end their careers on a high note. He emphasizes the importance of providing these players with a positive experience, despite the setbacks they've faced. The team's journey to Twickenham against the Northampton Saints is a chance for them to create lasting memories and a sense of pride.
In my opinion, Slade's role in fostering belief and leadership is a fascinating aspect of this story. It highlights the impact of individual players on team culture and performance, especially in the face of adversity. The Chiefs' success serves as a reminder that leadership and belief can be powerful catalysts for turning around a team's fortunes, even in the face of significant challenges and changes.
