Chiefs pass French test
HENRY SLADE believes this victory is one of the best results in Exeter’s history.
Man-of-the-match Don Armand scored in each half, while centre Ian Whitten added a try as Gareth Steenson kicked two penalties and three conversions.
Montpellier took two points thanks to a pair of tries from Nemani Nadolo and Joe Tomane and Benoit Paillaugue efforts, but Rob Baxter’s men came out on top.
Exeter centre Slade said: “This result is definitely up there. It was a big effort. Montpellier threw everything at us and they’re a top side.
“Last year we came to France in Europe, thought we’d give it a go and got blown away.
“This year we came to win and we did it really well. Away wins are massive in Europe and we have Leinster back-to-back next – it’s going to be exciting.”
Exeter were committed to playing an entertaining game but turned around 17-10 down.
In the second half, Whitten and Nadolo swapped tries, before Armand scored his second. Steenson converted to make it 24-24 and his 72nd-minute penalty proved to be the difference.
Exeter boss Baxter said: “It was tough and the game was up and down. The guys stuck at it for long enough to force the win.
“Against any good side you’re going to have periods when you’re up against it, but we never panicked or lost our shape.”
DYLAN HARTLEY could be cited for foul play this afternoon but found an unlikely ally as he sweats on his place in the autumn internationals.
The England captain was given a yellow card in Northampton’s 24-7 Champions Cup defeat by Clermont on Saturday for a reckless swinging arm clear-out on Rabah Slimani.
Hartley’s opposite number Benjamin Kayser believes the yellow card was enough and rugby is in danger of losing its physicality.
“If you start by saying that any hit on the head is a red card then there are going to be 25 red cards a game,” said Kayser.