MARCNIFICENT

that is locked in. But it will be execution, for him in particular, he will be wanting to make sure he is way more accurate.

“His goals are to try and become a world-class player, but a player with his expectations will go through his performance and go ‘nah’.

“One thing I love about this team is they create chances. We will review the terrible execution, there were four genuine opportunites to score against 14 men that we butchered.

“But you have got to tip your hat to them – what a gritty group of men. They probably deserved a bit more.”

Hepburn’s challenge was a definite red, but Sam Simmonds could have copped a card as well and made it even tougher for Chiefs to stay in the game.

They did that, although in the pouring rain it was nothing like the rugby produced in last season’s final.

Exeter manned the barricades for the first half of the second period as the

Londoners threw everything at them, although Tyrone Green fluffed two tries, and then hit back with a sucker punch.

A driving lineout led to a try by replacement hooker Jack Innard and it was Quins, with a man extra, who were staring down the barrel.

Enter Smith, the outstanding Esterhuizen, and Smith again to finish it off as Quins cemented a place in the top four.

Chiefs boss Rob Baxter said: “Everyone knows that red cards, yellow cards and losing men has a huge effect on games. We weathered that pretty well and got the losing bonus point from a very difficult situation.

“We’re disappointed not to get more but we’ve done a lot of good things. Actually some of the lads have achieved season-best efforts in some ways.”