Slade leads Chiefs on smash and grab raid

EXETER’S struggles on the road have been well documented over the past year, but the Chiefs produced the perfect ‘smash and grab’ to win in the south of France. 

- MARK STEVENS

Up against three-times champions, Toulon, not many would have given much hope to Rob Baxter and his youthful charges.

But the never-say-die attitude of the Devonians shone through as a late try from Jacques Vermeulen, converted by Henry Slade, ensured them of a priceless four points in Pool 3.

Having trailed 18-5 at the break to tries from Beka Gigashvili and Ben White, plus the boot of Enzo Herve, Exeter produced a dominant second half showing, adding to Harvey Skinner’s first-half score with tries from Max Norey and Vermeulen.

It will no doubt rank up there as one of the club’s landmark victories, but it was the way in which the visitors refused to buckle that augurs well for them moving forward.

In a tight opening to the contest at the Stade Mayol, neither side were willing to risk too much in pursuit of early rewards. The battle between the respective packs dominated on a heavy surface, before Tom Cairns was alert enough to come back and cover a chip over the top from Toulon winger Gabin Villiere.