Ospreys 25, Chiefs 13

Just as he was the scourge of England during the Rugby World Cup, so Welshman Dan Biggar did the same to Exeter Chiefs on their competitive return to the Champions Cup.

The Ospreys fly-half was the mastermind behind the Welsh region’s success story, plundering five penalties, a drop-goal and even converting a late try from former Exeter player Josh Matavesi.

Even then Biggar – who was named Heineken Man of the Match – could afford to miss three further chances afforded to him by the Chiefs, who fell foul of Italian referee Marius Mitrea on far too many occasions.

Although the visitors pushed hard until the death, they were unable to keep their unbeaten record in the Principality in tact, leaving Swansea with not even a bonus point for their efforts.

Skipper Gareth Steenson slotted two penalties and also converted James Short’s first half try, but it was never enough for Rob Baxter’s side, who must now ready themselves for next week’s visit of Bordeaux-Begles to Sandy Park. Having progressed through the early rounds of the Aviva Premiership with three wins from a possible four, Baxter saw little reason to tinker too much with his winning formula as his side returned to Europe’s top table.

From the side they saw off Leicester Tigers so impressively just a week earlier, there were just two changes to the starting XV. Both came in the back division where Sam Hill was given the nod over Ian Whitten in the centre, whilst Phil Dollman’s injury meant Jack Nowell was switched to full-back and Matt Jess was elevated from the bench. On the sidelines, Tom Johnson came in for Thomas Waldrom, who picked up a bang during the win over the Tigers, whilst summer signing Michele Campagnaro was given his first taste of life with the Chiefs first team.

The Ospreys, meanwhile, made three changes to their starting line-up from that which saw off Zebre last time out. All of them came up front where Dmitri Arhip, James King and Dan Lydiate – one of three British Lions in the home ranks – all started.

Also included in the centre was former Chief, Josh Matavesi, whilst there was a late call-up for former Exeter Academy product Hanno Dirksen, who came in for Ben John just before kick-off.

See more at: http://exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/ospreys-25-chiefs-13/#sthash.0AR92wri.dpuf