Exeter go on a spree to stay in the mix
EXETER held their end-of-season awards bash on Friday night but the Chiefs’ Gallagher Premiership campaign is far from over.
English rugby’s top division has its flaws, but it is now set up for what will be a thrilling final day, with Rob Baxter’s side still in the play-off mix after victory last night.
Exeter produced one of their best displays of the season to record a bonus-point success, while Quins, six days after their Champions Cup semifinal defeat by Toulouse, ran out of puff after the break, although Louis Lynagh’s late consolation at least meant they took home a losing bonus point.
No 8 Greg Fisilau was outstanding for Exeter as they ran riot in the second half, ending with seven tries. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who grabbed a brace, thrived, too.
Exeter director of rugby Baxter said: ‘We’re in control of our destiny next week over Harlequins at least and Bristol didn’t get anything. It’s going to be absolutely crazy next week. We haven’t won at Leicester for a while. I’m just delighted the whole week is going to be exciting.’
Exeter lacked accuracy initially, but scored through Henry Slade, Feyi-Waboso and Dan John. Tyrone Green and Alex Dombrandt added away efforts in a tit-for-tat first half.
The second half was one-way traffic.
Exeter were dynamic, quick and powerful. Harlequins laboured. Harvey Skinner crossed and even a yellow card for Jacques Vermeulen could not derail the rampant Chiefs. The tries kept on coming. FeyiWaboso and Skinner made it doubles and home captain Dafydd Jenkins added gloss to the score.
Slade’s kicking put the boot into Harlequins. Slade has had a fine season and has now been successful with his last 24 kicks at goal.
Harlequins head coach
Danny Wilson said: ‘In the second half we collapsed defensively. It was really poor. There were too many penalties and we were playing a good team who put us to the sword.
‘One bad half of rugby cost us. The second half was not acceptable. What we can be pleased with is we scored the fourth try which might be vital and still gives us a chance. We have to take five points at home to Bristol.’