Chiefs make last eight after powerful display

A powerful second half display saw Exeter Chiefs book their place in the last eight of this season’s European Challenge Cup with victory away to Connacht.

Having trailed 17-10 at the break, Rob Baxter’s side scored 23 unanswered points after the break to secure their fourth win in this season’s competition.

Connacht shaded a tight first half thanks to tries from Matt Healy, Willie Faloon and Danie Poolman, the last of which was converted by fly-half Jack Carty, whilst the Chiefs countered with a penalty try and a penalty from Henry Slade.

The second period, though, belonged to the Englishmen as converted tries from skipper Dean Mumm and Don Armand, plus further kicks from Slade sealed the club’s first-ever Cup win on Irish soil. Connacht rallied with a late try from Healy, but it was never enough to thwart the Chiefs.

After four tough weeks in the Premiership, the Chiefs were hoping their return to European action would allow them the chance to rediscover their winning formula. However, standing in the way of Baxter’s side were the Irish province, who were not only looking to avenge the 33-13 loss at Sandy Park back in October, but at the same time defend an impressive home record that had seen them win 10 of their last 12 home games in this competition.

For the Chiefs, Baxter introduced Luke Cowan-Dickie and Alex Brown into the pack following last week’s loss at London Irish, while a re-jigged back division saw Dave Lewis and Slade form a new half-back pairing; Jack Nowell was switched from the wing into the centre and Ian Whitten filled the No.14 jersey.

Connacht, like their Devon rivals, also made changes, one of which came in the warm-up where Jack Carty was brought in at fly-half after Craig Ronaldson broke down pre-match.

See more at: http://exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/connacht-24-chiefs-33/#sthash.DwZdAa97.dpuf