Chiefs back up to second

The drums in Devon are beating a little louder as Exeter Chiefs moved back into second spot in the Aviva Premiership with an impressive victory over play-off rivals Wasps at Sandy Park.

Unlike some other venues where they feel the need to crank up the atmosphere somewhat artificially, Sandy Park brought it’s own unique crescendo of noise on a decisive day in English rugby’s top flight.

Virtually from start to finish, Rob Baxter’s side dominated proceedings – avenging last month’s European exit at the hands of Wasps – with a powerful and workmanlike display.

Backs Olly Woodburn, Phil Dollman and Jack Nowell all crossed for tries, while the ever-reliable Gareth Steenson edged ever closer to landing the Premiership’s ‘Golden Boot’ with a further nine points on his seasonal tally.

Wasps countered with a first half penalty from Elliot Daly, but that was all they could muster on a tough afternoon for the Midlanders. With the batteries recharged following their first weekend off since the start of the campaign, the Chiefs came into the contest looking to strike a decisive blow in their hopes of claiming home advantage in the upcoming play-offs.

Ahead of kick-off, Baxter made two changes to his starting XV from that which went down to Gloucester in their last outing. Dave Ewers was added to the pack at the expense of leading try-scorer Thomas Waldrom, while behind Phil Dollman was fit again to return at full-back. Wasps, meanwhile, were also able to parade a powerful array of talent, many of whom had featured in the epic European Champions Cup quarter-final win over the Chiefs last month.

CHIEFS 24 WASPS 3

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