Disappointing first game for Chiefs as defending champions

In the end there was to be no record-breaking accolade for Exeter Chiefs.

Instead, Rob Baxter’s defending Aviva Premiership champions - who were trying to make it a record 18 games unbeaten in English rugby's top flight - were floored by a late knockout blow from Gloucester new-boy Jason Woodward.

The New Zealand-born full-back, who last season tasted top flight relegation with Bristol, sealed an opening day victory for the Cherry & Whites by stealing over for a last-gasp try at a packed Kingsholm

His score, coupled with a brace for compatriot Jeremy Thrush and another from Ben Morgan, ensured maximum reward for Gloucester, whilst Exeter’s scant consolation was a losing bonus point.

The visitors - who scored two converted tries from Sam Simmonds in the first half, plus another from Olly Woodburn after the break - could easily have headed back down the M5 with the points had Henry Slade landed a late penalty. However, it was not to be on a disappointing night.

Some 97 days on from lifting the title at a packed Twickenham, the visitors had a familiar feel to their line-up for this seasonal opener against the Cherry & Whites.Skipper Jack Yeandle was at the helm for the Chiefs, who handed first Premiership starts for summer signings Matt Kvesic and Nic White.
Kvesic, who swapped Kingsholm for Sandy Park during the close season, was a late promotion into the starting XV, this after Aussie international Dave Dennis failed a late fitness test.

His elevation meant the experienced Julian Salvi came onto the bench, where he was joined by England and British Lions star Jack Nowell, whose try in May’s final kick-started the Devon club’s drive to glory against Wasps.

Gloucester, meanwhile, were also largely unchanged from last season, although they did hand debuts to full-back Jason Woodward and prop Fraser Balmain, while fellow newcomers Gareth Denman, Ed Slater and Ruan Ackermann were all named among the replacements.

For the full match report go to https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/gloucester-28-chiefs-21