In the world of rugby, leadership and belief are often the invisible threads that weave together a team's success. And in the case of Exeter Chiefs, it's Henry Slade's leadership that has been instrumental in their remarkable return to Twickenham.
The story of Exeter's journey to the Premiership final is one of resilience and belief, with Slade at the heart of it all. Despite a moment of madness that saw him sin-binned, Slade's overall performance and leadership were key to their historic comeback against Bath.
Rob Baxter, Exeter's boss, couldn't have been more clear when he described Slade as "world-class form." But what makes Slade's leadership so fascinating is its multifaceted nature. It's not just about his on-field performance; it's about the way he talks to his teammates, sharing his experiences and instilling a sense of belief that anything is possible.
One thing that immediately stands out is Slade's ability to draw on his own experiences. Having played in the 2019 World Cup final and reached six successive Premiership finals with Exeter, he knows what it takes to win. And he's using that knowledge to help his teammates understand that they too can achieve great things.
"When you've been there, you understand you can do things," Baxter said. "Slade's presence and his ability to communicate that belief to the younger players is invaluable."
But it's not just about the past glories. Exeter's recent history has been a rollercoaster, with the departure of key players like Jack Nowell and Stuart Hogg due to the financial realities of Covid-19. This led to a period of rebuilding, with new faces joining the squad.
The challenges were evident as Exeter finished ninth last season, their worst-ever top-flight campaign. However, Baxter's focus has been on the present and the future. He wants to ensure that the departing players, like former Australia prop Scott Sio, get to experience the highs of a successful season before they move on.
"I want these guys to feel what a great Premiership season is like," Baxter said. "They've committed fully, and I want them to finish on a high."
As Exeter prepare for their Premiership final against Northampton Saints, the impact of Slade's leadership and the team's belief will be put to the test. It's a testament to the power of resilience and the ability to draw strength from past experiences.
In my opinion, this story is a reminder that in sports, and in life, it's often the intangible qualities like leadership and belief that can make all the difference. It's a fascinating insight into the psychology of a winning team, and I, for one, am excited to see how Exeter's journey unfolds.
