Perfect 10 for rampant Exeter Chiefs

Rob Baxter’s Exeter Chiefs side made it a ‘perfect ten’ as they saw off rivals Wasps at the Ricoh.

Maximum reward the week previous against Leicester Tigers, Devon’s finest again put up an impressive showing, securing six tries and putting them in pole position of the Gallagher Premiership after two rounds.

England stars Sam Simmonds and Henry Slade (pictured) both both bagged a brace, while there were further touchdowns for Santiago Cordero and Don Armand. Fly-half Gareth Steenson completed the job, finishing with a sublime seven from seven kicks.

Wasps, it has to be said, played their part in a great encounter. They netted themselves a try-scoring bonus through tries from Elliot Daly, Josh Bassett, Nathan Hughes and Dan Robson, while the remainder of their points were shared between the boots of Billy Searle and new signing Lima Sopoaga.

Fresh from an impressive opening day win over Leicester Tigers, Baxter was forced into change for this latest meeting. Injuries to both Nic White and Olly Woodburn meant they missed out, so into the starting line-up came Stuart Townsend and Henry Slade.

Slade’s elevation almost meant there was a first-ever Chiefs outing for summer signing Alex Cuthbert, who had safely negotiated a 40-minute run-out on Monday for the Braves away to Saracens.

Wasps, meanwhile, were also looking to build on their victory at Worcester the week previous. Day Young handed a first start to England international Brad Shields, while All Blacks playmaker Sopoaga was named amongst the replacements for the first time.

For the full match report go to https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/wasps-31-chiefs-42