Cipriani puts the boot into Baxter

ROB BAXTER accepted Exeter’s European campaign was virtually over as they crashed to a shock 27-19 defeat to Gloucester.

Danny Cipriani (below) hit two penalties and two conversion, with Willi Heinz, Jaco Visagie and Ben Morgan scoring tries.

Nic White, Tom Lawday and Don Armand replied, with Gareth Steenson adding two conversions.

But it was not enough to secure a single point as Exeter remain bottom of Pool 2 in the Heineken Champions Cup with only three points from as many games.

And director of rugby Baxter said: “The group still haven’t got it mentally right around Europe yet. There was no clarity of thinking and our machine stuttered as we made error after error.”

Bath’s hopes took a hammer blow as they were beaten 17-10 by holders Leinster at the Recreation Ground.

Wing Jordan Larmour’s interception shaded a tight Pool 1 encounter.

Prop Henry Thomas scored Bath’s only try which James Wilson converted. He added a late penalty to secure a losing bonus point.

Johnny Sexton struck two conversions for Leinster. Glasgow Warriors moved top of Pool

3 with a stunning

42-22 victory over Lyon and in Pool 5, Toulon beat Montpellier

38-28. Toulouse beat Wasps 24-16 in Pool 1 last night at the Ricoh Arena. MARTIN HOPWOOD