Chiefs' Heineken Cup hopes dashed

Toulon 32 Exeter Chiefs 20

As copies of the local Var-Matin newspaper flittered from high in the stands of Toulon’s Stade Felix Mayol, so it seems the hopes of Exeter Chiefs qualifying for the latter stages of this season’s Heineken Cup followed suit.

Heroic efforts against reigning champions Toulon have certainly been notable, but the back-to-back defeats have left Devon’s finest well adrift of their star-studded French rivals in Pool Two.

Bernard Laporte’s star-studded side not only returned to the summit of the group, but their five-point haul has ensured they now lead next best Cardiff Blues by two points entering into the latter stages.

Winger David Smith claimed two of the home side’s four scores, whilst Xavier Chiocci and Jonny Wilkinson also crossed during the second half for Toulon, whose other points came courtesy of Aussie Matt Giteau.

The Chiefs, however, played their part in another excellent encounter claiming tries through Don Armand and Ben White, whilst Henry Slade and Ceri Sweeney also got on the scoresheets with some impressive kicking. It was, though, never enough in the sunshine of the South of France.

Just a week after facing the current holders of the competition, Baxter opted to freshen up his line-up making six changes from that which went down 14-9 on home soil. Into the pack came James Hanks and Don Armand, whilst behind Haydn Thomas and Slade formed a new half-back partnership and Ian Whitten and James were also included from the outset.

Battered and bruised from their visit to Devon, Toulon also made changes as Jean-Charles Orioli and Jocelino Suta were brought in up front; whilst Giteau was switched from centre to fly-half at the expense of Jonny Wilkinson; Maxime Mermoz was brought into the centre and Smith filled the void left by South African speedster Bryan Habana.

Despite the new look to both teams, it was the Chiefs who set the early tone as they used the opening exchanges to outline their attacking endeavours. Although it was enterprising stuff from Baxter’s men, it failed to bring the reward they craved in the hot-house of the Stade Mayol.

As it was, the Frenchmen soaked up Exeter’s pressure before claiming the game’s opening points on 11 minutes when Giteau, Alexis Palisson and Mermoz all combined to send winger Smith sprinting over in the left-hand corner for an unconverted try.

It was certainly the stuff of champions, but so too was the response form the Chiefs who countered within minutes. Thomas and Jack Nowell triggered the alarm bells with successive snipes, before the visitors delivered a telling blow through Armand.

*Pictures: Exeter Rugby Club/ Pinnacle Photo Agency

 Referee: J Lacey

Attendance: 13,657

UP NEXT FOR THE CHIEFS: v Newcastle Falcons (H), Aviva Premiership, Saturday, December 21 (3pm)

See more at: http://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/toulon-32-chiefs-20/#sthash.7uXxFWgc....