Chiefs take the sting out of Wasps

On the fifth day of Christmas it wasn’t five gold rings that the Exeter Chiefs collected, instead it was five valuable league points as they moved to the summit of the Aviva Premiership with victory over Wasps.

Rob Baxter’s side delivered arguably their best display of the past 12 months, scoring six tries in the process, to ensure they will be in the division’s top two this yuletide. Thomas Waldrom (Pictured) led the way for the visitors, scoring a hat-trick of tries, whilst there were further touchdowns for Mitch Lees, Jack Nowell and Moray Low. Fly-half Gareth Steenson booted over the remainder of the Exeter points with another accomplished display.

In reply, Wasps – who had not leaked a try at home all season until today – countered with scores of their own from Frank Halai, Ashley Johnson and Lorenzo Cittadini, whilst the prolific Jimmy Gopperth added a further 12 points with his metronomic right boot. The only downside for the Chiefs on a bright night in the Midlands, however, was the sight of England star Henry Slade being stretched from the field late in the contest with a suspected broken leg.

Fresh from their narrow home win over Harlequins last time out, the Chiefs were forced into change ahead of kick-off in the Midlands. Injuries to back-row duo Dave Ewers and Don Armand meant Tom Johnson and Julian Salvi were brought into the pack, alongside international duo Tomas Francis and Geoff Parling. Behind, personnel remained largely untouched with Baxter opting to use Sam Hill in the centre as he traded places with Irishman Ian Whitten.

Wasps, meanwhile, also made changes – seven in total – from that which had seen off London Irish 33-15 at the Madejski Stadium. Again, the majority came up front where there were inclusions for Cittadini, Bradley Davies, Sam Jones, George Smith and Guy Thompson; whilst Dan Robson and Gopperth provided a new-look half-back pairing.

From the outset, though, it was Baxter’s side who set the tone, producing a stunning first half display, the likes of which has not been seen since they swept aside Cardiff Blues in the Heineken Cup back in October 2013.

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