Chiefs kick off European campaign with a win

Rob Baxter had called for his Exeter Chiefs side to “stand and deliver” and they did just that as they kicked off their European Champions Cup campaign with a hard fought victory over Glasgow Warriors at Sandy Park.

Tries from forwards Harry Williams, Jonny Hill and Sam Simmonds paved the way for Exeter’s success in this Pool 3 opener, while Gareth Steenson completed the job by adding a further nine points with the boot.

Exeter’s win - only their second-ever in the first round of the Champions Cup - was certainly a notable scalp against a Warriors side, who arrived in Devon having not tasted defeat under new head coach Dave Rennie.

The Scotsman sped into a 10-0 lead thanks to Tommy Seymour’s early converted try and a penalty from Finn Russell, but the remainder of the first half belonged to the Chiefs.

In a nip-and-tuck second half, Lee Jones kept the visitors in contention until late on, but it was Baxter’s side who ultimately prevailed, Simmonds stealing over with two minutes remaining to put the seal on a first class display.

After six weeks of domestic action, Baxter was looking for his side to begin their latest European escapades with a bang. Buoyed by a 34-24 victory over Newcastle Falcons the week previous, the Chiefs didn’t tinker too much with their winning formation.

Up front, Ben Moon and Julian Salvi both came into the pack for Carl Rimmer (on rotation) and Dave Dennis (injured). Behind, the sole change saw Phil Dollman start at full-back with Lachie Turner moving to the wing in the place of the injured Jack Nowell.

Glasgow, meanwhile, arrived in Devon sporting a hugely impressive six from six record in the Guinness Pro14 and they made just two changes to their line-up from that which won against the Cheetahs. Both came in the back division where Peter Horne returned at centre and Lee Jones got the nod on the left wing.

Chiefs 24 Warriors 15

For the full match report, go to https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/chiefs-24-warriors-15