Match Report: An embarrassing performance results in Exeter slipping to sixth
An embarrassing Exeter Chiefs first half painted a narrative to what was heavy loss at Twickenham Stadium. Exeter Chiefs drop to sixth in the Premiership table.
Exeter Chiefs went into the ‘big game 14’ at Twickenham in great form after beating Sale Sharks in last weekends fixture. A win today could have seen Exeter move up into the play-off positions.
The Chiefs were looking lively in the first 10 minutes with opportunities arising but after failed chances, Harlequins took advantage against the run of play from a cheeky chip by Marcus Smith allowed the hosts to break and score an early try to gain the advantage.
Both teams were exploring and trying to find space early in the game, it seemed that Harlequins were appearing on top.
A yellow card for Exeter Chiefs fly-half Harvey Skinner due to head contact- the only reason he didn’t get a red was due to it not being at such a high level.
Exeter being down to 14 men opened many more gaps, and subsequently paved the way for an easy breakthrough and Harlequins doubled their advantage with another try, it was poor defence from the Devon side, being caught out.
It kept getting worse for Exeter Chiefs, a man down and there was so much open space and Harlequins were just destroying Exeter in the break down and resulted in another try.
Twickenham was really taking the best out of this Harlequins side, they achieved the bonus point try and made a huge advantage within the first 35 minutes. The locals were really in a league of their own during the first half.
The Chiefs have really lacked the accuracy during the first half- and at the break it was Harlequins who lead with a colossal advantage.
The score being Exeter Chiefs 0 Harlequins 26.
Exeter Chiefs hoped to assuage the first half humiliation, and an early first half try for the Chiefs gave the travelling fans something to cheer about.
The hope from Exeter’s previous try got extinguished as the Harlequins back line has been just fantastic today, Joe Marchant went over to add to the Chiefs battering- It was all too easy for Harlequins, the score just kept burgeoning, Quins got another try.
The game fizzled out towards the end, but the score remained as a strong defeat for Exeter Chiefs it is safe to say that the best team won.
Watch the post match interview with Exeter Chiefs coach Ali Hepher:
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