Chiefs whitewash hapless Warriors in opening rout
EUROPEAN CUP MATCH REPORT: Defending champions Exeter Chiefs got off to the perfect start in the Champions Cup – scoring six tries in a relentless performance against Glasgow Warriors.
It took Exeter just under 15 minutes to make their mark on this season’s competition, with a signature driving maul from a line-out allowing European Player of the Year Sam Simmonds to score.
A second try would come shortly after, as the Exeter pack proved their worth once again with a number of phases culminating in Jonny Gray crashing over.
Exeter were unable to register another score before half-time and went into the break with plenty of work still to do.
But Rob Baxter’s men ensured there would be no way back for Glasgow as a terrific second half performance began with Olly Woodburn breaking free to set up Stuart Hogg to score.
Exeter then secured the bonus point through captain Jack Yeadle, before a magnificent turnover from Sam Simmonds kickstarted a flowing attacking move by the hosts, ending with Olly Woodburn gathering Ollie Devoto’s perfectly-weighted kick to go over in the corner.
As it happened. To recap all the drama, CLICK HERE!
A final Exeter try in overtime was a fitting end for the home side as they put in an impressive display – a break from Tom O’Flaherty and some slick handling allowed Jonny Hill to power over for his side’s sixth try of the day.
The Chiefs were good value for their win, and restricted Glasgow to little attacking opportunity, with a missed penalty by Pete Horne in the opening exchanges being the only occasion the visitors threatened to get on the scoreboard.
Exeter travel to four-time champions Toulouse in Round 2 of the Heineken Champions Cup next week, while Glasgow host Lyon.
The scorers
For Exeter Chiefs
Tries: S Simmonds, Gray, Hogg, Yeandle, Woodburn, Hill
Cons: J Simmonds 6
For Glasgow Warriors
None
Yellow card: Samuel Johnson (Glasgow Warrior, 23)
Teams
Exeter Chiefs: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Olly Woodburn, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Ollie Devoto, 11 Tom O’Flaherty, 10 Joe Simmonds, 9 Jack Maunder, 8 Sam Simmonds, 7 Jannes Kirsten, 6 Dave Ewers, 5 Sam Skinner, 4 Jonny Gray, 3 Harry Williams, 2 Jack Yeandle (captain), 1 Alec Hepburn.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Ben Moon, 18 Marcus Street, 19 Jonny Hill, 20 Richard Capstick, 21 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, 22 Harvey Skinner, 23 Ian Whitten.
Glasgow Warriors: 15 Glenn Bryce, 14 Tommy Seymour, 13 Nick Grigg, 12 Samuel Johnson, 11 Lee Jones, 10 Peter Horne, 9 Ali Price, 8 Matt Fagerson 7 Tom Gordon, 6 Ryan Wilson (captain), 5 Scott Cummings, 4 Robert Harley, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 George Turner, 1 Oliver Kebble.
Replacements: 16 Grant Stewart, 17 Aki Seiuli, 18 Enrique Pieretto Heiland, 19 Kiran McDonald, 20 TJ Ioane, 21 Jamie Dobie, 22 Brandon Thomson, 23 Huw Jones.
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Assistant referees: Adam Leal (England), Anthony Woodthorpe (England)
TMO: Stuart Terheege (England)
