Play-off home advantage for Chiefs
Exeter Chiefs will have home advantage against defending champions Saracens in this season’s Aviva Premiership play-offs after Rob Baxter’s side continued their rich vein of form at the expense of rivals Gloucester.
In a full-blooded contest at Kingsholm, Devon’s finest were made to work for every bit of their latest five-point haul (the final score was 20 to 34) which ensured them of a top two finish.
A similar outcome for leaders Wasps in their top of the table clash with Sarries meant they topped the pile at the end of the scheduled season, but it’s the Chiefs who will head into the last four with the best momentum of any side following a record-breaking eighth successive try bonus success.
Ian Whitten, Ben Moon, James Short and Will Chudley claimed the all-important touchdowns for the visitors, while skipper Gareth Steenson weighed in with the remainder of the home side’s points.
In reply, Jonny May’s brace, plus another from Lewis Ludlow, had the Chiefs momentarily on the ropes, as did some precise first half kicking from the returning Greig Laidlaw.
Ahead of kick-off, Baxter was forced to change his winning formula from that which had created history against Northampton Saints the week previous. Up front, there was a new-look front-row of Moon, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Harry Williams, while further changes in the pack saw Ollie Atkins and Julian Salvi also brought in from the outset.
Behind, the back division was largely untouched with England international Jack Nowell switched to full-back in the absence of Lachie Turner, while leading try-scorer James Short was recalled to fill the vacant berth on the wing.
Gloucester, who themselves have a European Final to look forward to in a week’s time, brought Matt Scott back into their line-up for the first time in March, while other changes saw Charlie Sharples return on the right wing and Laidlaw and Billy Twelvetrees form a new half-back pairing.
For the full match report click here http://exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/gloucester-20-chiefs-34/
Pictures: Exeter Rugby Club/Pinnacle Photo Agency
