Nowell still playing his way into a Lions shirt

JACK NOWELL inspired Exeter to a thrilling win over Ulster to leave Rob Baxter in no doubt he is managing a Lion in the making. Although Nowell (below) did not score one of the eight tries as Chiefs knocked the Irish out of the Champions Cup, he was superb in a tit-for-tat battle with All Black magician Charles Piutau. Exeter director of rugby Baxter said if his wing keeps performing at such a level, he is sure to make the plane to New Zealand in June. ‘He’s very good isn’t he?’ Baxter said. ‘He got us momentum every time he touched the ball. ‘Hopefully England have a good Six Nations and anyone playing well will put themselves in the front seat (for the Lions).’ Michele Campagnaro, Thomas Waldrom and Piutau scored twice each in a tie that had no time for penalty kicks. Both sides knew a bonus-point win was key, so went in search of tries. Ulster raced into the lead through Sean Reidy after three minutes but Exeter hit back through Campagnaro’s clinical finish and Waldrom from close. Piutau then hot-stepped past Nowell, with a Gareth Steenson conversion and one from Paddy Jackson making it 12-12 at halftime. Then Waldrom rumbled through for another before Campagnaro doubled up thanks to more magic from Nowell. Piutau gathered a deft chip and dotted down for his second — but then Jackson swatted the ball out of the air inside his 22 when Exeter looked sure to score. Referee Romain Poite sent him to the sin-bin, gave the penalty try, and Ulster were out. If Exeter pull off a shock win at Clermont next week, and two of Glasgow, Toulon or Montpellier lose, they could sneak through. The dream is alive.