Exeter Chiefs 8 Leinster 18

You don’t win titles by chance, especially when it comes to Europe, and Leinster underlined just why they are one of the best in the business, inflicting defeat on rivals Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.

Almost a year to the day since Bordeaux-Begles emerged victorious from fortress Sandy Park, so it was the turn of the Irish province to experience the same winning feeling against Rob Baxter’s men.

Leo Cullen’s outfit produced not only a victorious display in deepest Devon, but a streetwise one at that, claiming tries through Johnny Sexton and Jack Conan, together with successful kicks from the boot of Sexton and skipper Isa Nacewa.

The Chiefs - who will no doubt be kicking themselves for a somewhat uncharacteristic display on home turf - countered with a second half try from James Short and a penalty from Gareth Steenson, but it was never enough to see off the threat of the three-time champions.

With both sides having collected wins over Glasgow Warriors and Montpellier in the opening two rounds, the Irishmen judging edging it having collected bonus point triumphs, there was a real buzz of anticipation all around a packed out Sandy Park as the rivals lined up for battle.

The Chiefs - fresh from successive Premiership wins over Harlequins, Saracens and Bath - made two changes in personnel to their starting line-up, bringing in Henry Slade at centre for Sam Hill, while up front Jonny Hill came into the Exeter engine room in place of Sam Skinner.

Leinster, meanwhile, were fully loaded for the contest, fielding a glut of their Irish internationals, whose tally of caps alone amassed over 2,000 in total.

For the full story, go to: https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/chiefs-8-leinster-18