Chiefs ooze class as they make it three on the bounce

It’s a sign of the times that even when Rob Baxter carries out a major overhaul of his Exeter Chiefs side, they continue to ooze class in this season’s Gallagher Premiership.

Not exactly the same vintage as their two previous wins against Leicester Tigers and Wasps, this season’s pace-setters maintained their perfect start - recording another five-point haul - as they overcame rivals Sale Sharks in a hard-fought encounter at Sandy Park.

Tries from Santiago Cordero, Jonny Hill, Jack Maunder Tom Lawday and Alex Cuthbert were the key highlights for the Devonians, while playmakers Joe Simmonds and Gareth Steenson completed the job with five conversions between them.

Sale, however, played their part in an entertaining contest which was much tighter than the final scoreline suggested. Marland Yarde and Bryn Evans each found their way over the try-line for the Sharks, while fly-half AJ MacGinty weighed in with the other eight points.

The victory ensured not only that Baxter’s side remain at the table-top, but ensured for the first time in the Premiership they have recorded wins in their opening three games of a new season.

Fresh from success at the Ricoh seven days earlier, Baxter made a glut of changes to his winning formula. Up front, Ben Moon, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Harry Williams and Jonny Hill were all added, while behind there was a new half-back pairing in the shape of Jack Maunder and Joe Simmonds, as well as the return of England and British Lions winger Jack Nowell for the first time since May.

However, the Chiefs were forced into change on the eve of kick-off as both Matt Kvesic and Sam Simmonds were ruled out of the game with illness. It meant first-ever Premiership starts for both Sean Lonsdale and Tom Lawday, both of whom showed up well despite having little time to get their minds around the late switch.

Sale, who the previous week had recorded their first win of the season with a 21-15 win against Worcester Warriors, made two changes to their side. Cameron Nield took over at hooker from Rob Webber, who dropped to the bench, while Tom Curry was given the nod at open-side ahead of his brother Ben.

For the full match report, go to https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/chiefs-35-sharks-18