Chiefs come from behind to beat Munster in Champions Cup

Match Report: Exeter Chiefs 32, Munster 24

Exeter Chiefs bounced back in the second half to achieve an enthralling victory against Irish side Munster in the Champions Cup match at Sandy Park. It makes it their second consectutive victory in this competition. 

The two clubs last met in the 2022 Champions Cup Round of 16 with Munster rallying to beat Exeter 34-23 after outscoring Exeter in the second half 26-10 in Sandy Park. 

This was Munster's third visit to Sandy Park, with the two clubs meeting in pool play in 2018 and finishing in a 10-10 draw.

The match started with Exeter on the back foot and a period of pressure from Munster. Chiefs defended an early maul well but a floating kick from the Irish side was difficult to defend meaning Munster winger Calvin Nash touched down to give them the lead. 

Exeter managed to regain some tempo and scored a try courtesy of hooker Dan Frost, in the left corner after a sustained period of Munster pressure. There was lots of kicking and little running with the ball in hand throughout the first period. 
Both teams were exploring and trying to find space early in the game, it seemed that the Irish side was appearing on top. 
After it looked like Exeter were getting back into the match Munster scored two tries just before the break- both down the right-hand side. This was causing frustration from the Exeter dugout. 

The Chiefs should have scored on the cusp of half-time, but the unwavering Munster defensive line thwarted the potential try.

The score was Exeter 10 Munster 19.

Munster furthered their advantage early in the second half. This made Exeter look like a different side. The home support was exemplary; the Chiefs were creating some favourable phases. 

To the delight of the fans, the Chiefs side scored from a five-metre line out. It took a few minutes of TMO -to get to the decision- but Exeter were back in the match.

Against the run of play, Exeter player Jack Dunne steamed through, pounced on an awkward ball and wrestled his way through the Munster defence to score a vital try to turn the match on its head.

With minutes on the clock, Exeter’s centre Henry Slade makes an incredible interception and sprints 60 metres down the pitch to touch down and seal the match to deny Munster another bonus point. 

The full-time score was Exeter 32, Munster 24.

Despite Exeter’s stuttering start, they turned the game on its head to beat Munster at Sandy Park and remain in second place in pool three of the Champions Cup.