Charge of the Chiefs

Bath look set to face a savage challenge when they host Exeter Chiefs on New Year’s Eve. Only a week after their new attack –minded game plan was torn apart by Wasps opportunism, counter attack and pace, they meet another team for whom speed is a watchword. This time it is speed of thought and execution as much of fleetness of foot, the Chiefs employing a playing style and tactics which marauding Sioux or Comanche war bands might be proud of.  The mounted warriors of the plains tribes were a fearsome form of irregular light cavalry. They used speed, surprise, ruthless execution and the psychological weapon of blood curdling war cries. This combination not only won many skirmishes and small battles, but also terrified the American pioneers who roamed west to settle in their territory. Current rugby Chiefs from the west emulate these braves with the intensity and tempo of their attack, the ruthlessness of their driving maul and the persistent chant of their supporters “tomahawk chop”.  Another similarity is their ability to produce a deadly strike when seemingly defeated: sweeping counter-attack is another of their fortes.  Saturday’s tie sees 3rd play 4th, with only a single league point between them: Chiefs on a high from a bonus point thrashing of Leicester, Bath deflated by the carelessness with which they conceded defeat to Wasps.  The stage is set therefore for a classic western clash. Will Bath have the firepower to resist the savage onslaught?