Montpellier 24 Exeter Chiefs 27

Hurricane Brian may have been whipping up a storm back in England, but across the Channel Exeter Chiefs continue to make waves in this season’s European Champions Cup.

Rob Baxter’s side made it two wins from two in Pool 3 as they overcame rivals Montpellier at the Altrad Stadium.

Fresh from sinking in-form Glasgow Warriors the week previous, the reigning English champions put on another gutsy display in the South of France, sealing victory thanks to tries from Don Armand (2) and Ian Whitten, plus 12 points from the boot of fly-half Gareth Steenson.

In reply, Montpellier countered with a brace from former Exeter winger Nemani Nadolo, plus further touchdowns from Joe Tomane and Benoit Paillaugue, who also slotted two conversions during an enthralling encounter.

It was, however, not enough to deny the Chiefs, who have rose manfully to Baxter’s pre-tournament challenge to start this season’s European assault on the up.

Having kicked off their campaign with victory over Glasgow the week previous, the Chiefs arrived in France looking to build on what was only their second-ever success in the opening round of the Champions Cup.

Baxter made two changes in personnel ahead of kick-off, both of them in the pack, where Tomas Francis got the nod over Harry Williams at tight-head, while Thomas Waldrom came in at No.8 with Sam Simmonds dropping to the bench.

Montpellier, meanwhile, were themselves looking to get back on track after they had slipped to defeat away to Leinster. The hosts fielded a formidable line-up, which was headed up by French international Louis Picamoles in the pack and included former Exeter winger Nadolo in a star-studded back division.

For the full match report, go to: https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/montpellier-24-chiefs-27