Baxter admits Exeter play-off hopes are over after defeat

Rob Baxter admitted Exeter’s hopes of reaching the play-offs are “done”, with Chiefs set to finish outside the top four for the first time since 2015 after last night’s defeat to Bristol.

“Two [bonus] points tonight, I think we are done,” the Exeter director of rugby conceded. “Mathematically, maybe not. It is disappointing. I think today has kind of highlighted that we have got to move on.”

The hosts ran in six tries, including a brace for Charles Piutau, to give all their departing players, including 38-year-old prop John Afoa, a perfect send-off at home.

“Every game there has been glimpses of that sort of game, but it has been in and out. Tonight, we talked about enjoying this game and working hard and playing with no fear,” said Pat Lam, Bristol’s director of rugby.

It took 20 minutes before Harry Randall broke the deadlock, catching Exeter out with a tapped penalty before sending over Callum Sheedy for the opening try. Santiago Grondona responded but Piutau then dotted down after a good sidestep to finish off a patient attack. Soon after, Exeter were over again, Josh Hodge making it 14-14 at the break.

After the restart, Randall’s drifting run made space for Piutau to score his second try before the best of the bunch, a break by Sheedy followed by an audacious over-thehead pass to Alapati Leiua to score.

Tries from James Kenny and Olly Woodburn for the visitors made it 28-28 but Toby Fricker’s interception score put Bristol ahead again before they killed Exeter off for good, Luke Morahan crossing.

Dave Ewers’ late consolation sent Exeter home with two bonus points.