Exeter defence powers through to PREM Final | 8/9 Rugby with Sam Larner

Is Exeter’s defence the perfect tool to stop Northampton’s attack in the PREM this weekend? Rugby analyst and writer Sam Larner joins Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby to examine Exeter’s outstanding win over Bath in the Premiership Semi Final, as well as Northampton overpowering Leicester. We dive deep into the tactical mastery of Rob Baxter’s side, debating whether that historic goal-line stand was pure defensive genius or a missed opportunity for Bath. Plus, we look at the other side of the bracket where Northampton outmuscled Leicester, setting the stage for a mouth-watering clash of styles at Twickenham. Plus, a rapid wrap-up of the Top 14 elimination finals in France, and a quick preview of the URC Final this Friday night, too. #rugby #rugbypodcast #89Rugby Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Welcoming Sam Larner back to 8/9 Rugby 01:22 – Sideline energy: The impact of injured players on the match atmosphere 03:08 – Repelling 40+ phases: Exeter’s historic defensive stand 05:16 – Premiership Semi-Final Wrap: Northampton and Exeter advance 06:06 – Northampton’s "Self-Destruction" vs. Offensive Brilliance 08:12 – Leicester’s missed opportunities: Player matchups and quality gaps 10:33 – The Turning Point: How Exeter's front-row substitutions changed the game 13:13 – Momentum Shift: The yellow card and Henry Slade’s influence 16:22 – Can Exeter stop Northampton’s attack? Looking ahead to the Final 17:21 – The Drop Goal Debate: Why didn’t Bath take the shot? 19:20 – Santiago Carreras and the psychological weight of the drop goal 24:11 – Final Preview: Northampton vs. Exeter at Twickenham 30:28 – URC Final: Leinster vs. The Bulls in Dublin 35:54 – Sam Larner’s new book: "Attacking the Space" 39:22 – Final thoughts and Top 14 update 40:48 – 8/9 Rugby on Substack You can also find Sam Larner’s tactical insights on his Substack and pick up his new book, 'Attacking the Space,' at all major bookstores. Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio)