Chiefs defeat Cardiff Blues
Cardiff Blues 13 Exeter Chiefs 19
Exeter Chiefs will no doubt have more memorable away days in Europe, but for now they will toast this latest victory with a glowing sense of satisfaction.
Having kicked off their Heineken Cup campaign with victory over Cardiff Blues, they ended this latest instalment with a similar outcome against the proud Welsh region.
Don Armand’s first half try, together with 14 points from the boot of skipper Gareth Steenson, not only gave the Chiefs the perfect send off in what could be their final outing in the Heineken Cup in its present form, but it also gave them a much-needed victory tonic after a gruelling run of fixtures. The Blues countered with a try of their own through Alex Cuthbert and eight points from fellow Welsh and British Lions team-mate Leigh Halfpenny, but it was not enough to sink Rob Baxter’s men. They will have to wait at least 24 hours to see if their European escapades extend for a little longer in the Amlin Challenge Cup, but for now the moment belongs to the men from Devon.
True to his word following their narrow European defeat to Glasgow Warriors last time out, Baxter again re-jigged his line-up for the visit to the Welsh capital. Changes up front saw Jack Yeandle, Don Armand, Dave Ewers and Ben White all added; whilst behind Steenson’s inclusion meant Henry Slade was switched into the midfield alongside Sam Hill, both of whom were this week included in the England Saxons squad alongside Ewers and Dave Lewis.
The Blues, meanwhile, were also able to parade a powerful line-up headed up by British & Irish Lions duo Halfpenny and Cuthbert. They made three changes to the side that were soundly beaten by Pool Two leaders RC Toulon in Nice. Skipper Sam Hobbs came into the front-row, Ellis Jenkins did likewise in the back-row, whilst behind there was a start in the centre for Daffyd Hewitt.
Despite the changes in both camps, it was the Chiefs – just as they did in the corresponding fixture at Sandy Park back in October – that started like a freight train. From the outset the visitors tore into their rivals with an attacking wave that was as fast flowing as the nearby River Taff. The Blues did well to initially repel the Exeter raids, but another significant thrust put the Chiefs to within inches of the line, the result of which saw Armand go over from close range.
Steenson slotted the resultant conversion before adding a penalty moments later when the Welsh region were pulled up by Irish referee John Lacey for handling on the floor just metres inside their own half.
It was the dream start for the Chiefs and just what they had craved after a testing few weeks in both domestic and European battle for the Devon club. Chances continued to come and go for Baxter’s side as they looked to press home a clear ascendancy up front, but finally their endeavours were again rewarded when Steenson slotted a second penalty of the game from wide on the right touchline.
With the Chiefs cruising along nicely, they looked to add to their tally yet further. However, they failed to make the most of a golden opportunity on 25 minutes when, having turned over a Cardiff scrum on their own try-line, they were then penalised from the resultant set-piece when lively No.8 Kai Horstmann was adjudged to have held on with the line just a yard or so away.
Pictures: Exeter Rugby Club / Pinnacle Photo Agency
See more at: http://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/blues-13-chiefs-19/#sthash.85PUcrA9.dpuf
Referee: J Lacey (IRFU)
Attendance: 12,125
UP NEXT FOR THE CHIEFS: v Ospreys (H), LV= Cup, Saturday, January 25 (3pm)
