Exeter Chiefs 41 Montpellier 10

6 tries from Exeter Chiefs secured an emphatic bonus point win against Montpellier to keep European hopes alive.

Following back to back defeats against Leinster, who are top of Pool 3, victory was imperative for Exeter if they wanted to progress into the next round of the European Champions Cup.

After suffering an unexpected defeat against Newcastle Falcons last week, the Chiefs headed into this highly anticipated encounter seeking vengeance knowing only a win would continue their European journey

Within the opening 20 minutes, it was an even contest with nothing separating the two sides.

However, when Exeter started to insert a sustained amount of pressure on Montpellier’s line, they won a penalty in the corner just 5 meters out and elected to opt for the scrum. Trying to power their way over the line using the forwards, Exeter lost the ball. In a blink of an eye, Montpellier cleared their lines and nearly countered – Chiefs recovered well to turn the ball over and win the penalty.

With the Tomahawk chop resonating around Sandy Park, the hosts launched another attack. It all started with a terrific catch from Olly Woodburn who plucked the ball out of the air. Suddenly, Exeter started to exploit space in behind Montpellier’s defence and found themselves just 5 meters out once more. This time, Dave Ewers bundled over to score the first try of the game. Gareth Steenson successfully kicking the extras.

Just 5 minutes later, roars around Sandy Park suggested Chiefs scored another. The referee needed to request the TMO (television match official) for assistance. A Montpellier kick was charged down by Lachie Turner, but as he was running for the try line, his foot narrowly went out of play – no try awarded.

In the dying embers of the first half, Montpellier kicked a monstrous penalty deep inside Exeter’s 22. Pinged 2 meters out, The Aviva Premiership Champions produced a defensive master class to keep them out.

Half time Exeter Chiefs 7 Montpellier 0

Setting camp inside Montpellier’s 22, Exeter began the second half where they left off in the opening 40 minutes, on top. Their opening 5 minutes of Dominating possession and territory was short lived. Giving away another penalty at the breakdown, Montpellier kicked for goal and secured three points.

Chiefs couldn’t have responded any better, with the assistance of the TMO, Chiefs were awarded their second try of the game. England international Sam Simmonds touched down from close range, but credit was awarded to the backs for getting the pack there. Extras added directly in front of the posts through Steenson.

In rapid succession, winger Olly Woodburn scored a sublime third try. Showing great strength and composure, Woodburn acrobatically passed his man to touch down in the corner.

From an incredibly tight angle, Steenson was unsuccessful with the attempted conversion kick. However, Exeter found themselves with a 16-point lead. And things only got better, or so Exeter fans thought.

Chiefs were running riot. The Sandy Park crowd erupted as the Exeter pack bundled over Montpellier’s try line. But TMO couldn’t see any part of the ball touch the ground.

However, it didn’t matter, as 2 minutes later Olly Woodburn, surely a man of the match contender, touched down in the exact same position where he scored his first. With a man to beat, he ran straight through him to secure the bonus point try. This time, Steenson eagle eyed with the boot.

Exeter were well and truly in a league of their own. Nic White, who previously played for Montpellier, added his name to the list of try scorers for the hosts. Running from behind the pack, he dived over the line to add Exeter’s 5^th.

Rob Baxter’s men showed no mercy. Following another forward rumble on Montpellier’s line, Don Armand added the finishing touch for the 6^th try of the encounter – Exeter’s 5^th in 20 minutes.

To the annoyance of Rob Baxter, Exeter’s defence was finally breached. The visitors scored a late consolation try taking them to double figures. The up and rising star Joe Simmonds got in on the act to kick the final penalty of the game for Exeter.

Full time: Exeter Chiefs 41 Montpellier 10

Attendance: 11, 427

Exeter: Lachlan Turner; Ian Whitten, Henry Slade, Sam Hill, Olly Woodburn; Gareth Steenson (capt), Nic White; Ben Moon, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Harry Williams, Mitch Lees, Jonny Hill, Dave Ewers, Don Armand, Sam Simmonds 

Replacements: Jack Yeandle, Alec Hepburn, Tom Francis, Toby Salmon, Matt Kvesic, Will Chudley, Joe Simmonds, Phil Dollman 
 

Montpellier: Henry Immelman; Gabriel N'gandebe, Frans Steyn, Jan Serfontein, Nemani Nadolo; Aaron Cruden, Gela Aprasidze; Mikheil Nariashvili, Bismarck Du Plessis, Johannes Jonker, Nicholaas Van Rensburg, Konstantine Mikautadze, Julien Bardy, Yacouba Camara, Louis Picamoles (capt) 

Replacements: Romain Ruffenach, Grégory Fichten, Mohamed Haouas, Julien Delannoy, Kelian Galletier, Jesse Mogg, Joe Tomane, Benjamin Fall