Exeter Chiefs narrowly came back to beat Bath 21-15 to set up a European Champions Cup quarter-final. With high winds at their back, Rob Baxter's me limped in 12-7 down at the break despite a yellow card for Bath's Tom Dunne.
Thomas du Toit dotted down from close range, only for Ross Vintcent to level seconds later for a try converted by Henry Slade. Ted Hill then showed great pace for a 45m breakaway try which Orlando Bailey converted. Bath - who lost Finn Russell to injury after 15 minutes, then extended their lead to 15-7 shortly after the break with a Bailey penalty, but that was as far a they got. Despite having the considerable wind advantage, it was Exeter who bossed the second half. Slade converted Greg Fisilau's score to make it a one-point game, before Ethan dotted down. Slade converted to give Exeter a handsome lead and, despite a spirited Bath comeback attempt, they fell short.
READ MORE: Exeter Chiefs 21-15 Bath Rugby LIVE full highlights and reaction from the Champions Cup
Here are the player ratings from Sandy Park.
Josh Hodge - 8
The all-action full-back was as astute as he was dangerous on a difficult afternoon for the bomb-diffusers. A swirling wind which was strong enough to leave the lights swaying meant every kick under he high ball was tough, but Hodge's positioning was excellent and he was measured in when to come for them and when to stay at home. He did tire slightly late on, but with 70 metres made, that is hardly surprising. A strong afternoon.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso - 9
“He’s the closest replacement to a Jack Nowell we could have got. He’s a guy who gets you metres out of nowhere and he’s getting better at it. At least two of our tries came from momentum he generated almost on his own. That shows his value."
Those were the words of director of rugby Rob Baxter after the game and - as is usually the case - he was not wrong. Feyi-Waboso was named player of the match and it was well-deserved. He was everywhere, breaking tackles - 12 of them- making metres and constantly looking dangerous. Like Baxter said, his similarity to fan favourite Nowell is starting to look uncanny such is his thirst for work and power in contact and on the ball.
All told he made 99 metres with ball in hand. The only thing missing was finishing as he came agonisingly close to the tryline on more than one occasion.
Henry Slade - 7
A solid afternoon for the England man - one of those performances he is becoming synonymous with. Not only was his tackling solid but his game management was excellent. He was turned over a couple of times, but his knowledge of the windy conditions at Sandy Park were imperative to Exe's comeback.
Ollie Devoto -7
A slightly quieter afternoon for Devoto and is perhaps still short of the form of which Chiefs know he is capable. Nevertheless, a decent display from the centre. His distribution was excellent and his tackling looked strong too. Worked well in partnership with Slade.
Olly Woodburn - 7
Not a spectacular performance from the former Bath player, but strong nonetheless. Made plenty of metres with ball-in-hand and chipped in with a vital turnover early in the second half. Was turned over a couple of times but looked dangerous on the front foot and - as always - was good under the high ball.
Harvey Skinner - 8
The Somerset-born fly-half is really starting to mature and grow into the No.10 jersey. On a tough afternoon, he marshalled his troops well and distributed decently too. Not only that, but he made 50 metres with ball in hand and also delivered a couple of big hits too - his early one on Alfie Barbeary being particularly eye-catching.
Tom Cairns - 6
A tricky afternoon for the 9, who struggled with Bath's aggressive breakdown game. Not only was he turned over, but on more than one occasion he picked the wrong option when going for the line too. Still learning at this level though and showing plenty of promise. Exe looked sharper and more in control when Stu Townsend came on after 58 minutes.
Scott Sio - 6
The veteran prop struggled against Bath's Thomas du Toit at scrum-time and also came up with a costly - if slightly controversial - knock-on close to the line on the half-time whistle. It may have been minimal but the call went against the big Aussie, much to his annoyance Was replaced after 49 minutes.
.Jack Yeandle - 8
Led the team out on his 50th European appearance for the club and - as per usual - led from the front all the way. It was a busy display from the veteran hooker, who quickly got over a dropped early pass to cap a decent display. Not only was his lineout delivery decent on a tough afternoon for the hookers, but also chipped in with some key tackles and made metres with ball in hand. With such a young Exeter side, old heads like Yeandle are key in their development.
Ehren Painter - 7
A decent afternoon from the 26-year-old, who is maturing nicely into a decent tighthead for Exe. Looked strong at scrum-time and solid in defence too for the Chiefs. Was turned over once but still does not look out of place in this Chiefs team.
Rus Tuima - 7
Another Chiefs youngster who is gradually developing into a proper player for Exe. A real presence with ball in hand and more than happy to crash it into contact again and again. He was caught a little isolated more than once though against a savvy Bath defenc and was lucky Exe retained possession.
Dafydd Jenkins - 8
A real captain's display from the hulking second rower. Started the game off with an excellent turnover and never looked back. Full of physicality and came out with some crunching hits. A willing ball-carrier too and clearly an inspirational figure in this Exeter Chiefs team.
Ethan Roots - 8
A fantastic display and pushed Feyi-Waboso hard for the player-of-the-match award. Was all over the pitch defensively, making eight tackles and a dynamo in attack. He beat four defenders in his 56 metres made and chipped in with a whopping 25 carries. If he had not fallen off a couple of tackles then would have been player of the match.
Christ Tshiunza - 8
Another Chiefs young gun who is developing into quite a player. Was a really abrasive defensive presence, constantly putting pressure on the Bath runners and coming up with some destructive tackles. Made 15 tackles - comfortably the most of any Chiefs player - and did not fall off any. Perhaps would have liked to offer more in attack but still a strong display.
Ross Vintcent - 7
Showed real alertness and presence of mind for his try as he poached the ball after Barbeary's knock-on. Also showed his searing pace to make it to the line. Made 41 metres and 16 carries before being replaced.
Replacements:
Danny Southworth - 7
Marcus Street - 7
Greg Fisilau - 8
Jack Innard - 7
Lewis Pearson - 7
Stu Townsend - 8
Zack Wimbush - N/A
