Exeter extend lead at top

Reigning champions Exeter extended their lead at the top of the Aviva Premiership table to eight points with a convincing 46-10 win over Gloucester at Sandy Park.

Chiefs’ victory secured them a semi-final spot but it put a huge dent in Gloucester’s play-off hopes as the visitors remained in seventh position, five points adrift of fourth-placed Wasps with only three league games to play.

As a result, it is likely that they will need to win all their remaining fixtures – against Harlequins, Bath and Saracens – if they are to have any chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.

Jack Nowell, who replaced Sam Hill midway through the first half, marked his first game since December by scoring two of Exeter’s tries. Sam Simmonds, Olly Woodburn, Gareth Steenson and Alec Hepburn also crossed with Joe Simmonds adding two penalties and five conversions.

Callum Braley scored Gloucester’s try with Owen Williams kicking a penalty and a conversion.