Leicester suffer as Chiefs put on a show

EXETER'S star shone bright into the night at a packed Sandy Park as they rounded off a perfect 2023 on home soil.

- MARK STEVENS

Rob Baxter's young side were at their dazzling best, not only downing the 11-time champions with a performance full of festive cheer but with a display that certainly augurs well for them at the halfway stage of the season.

South African flanker Jacques Vermeulen set them on their winning path before a penalty try and another for the in-form Henry Slade had the Devonians 21-0 at the turn.

The Tigers were much improved after the break, with scores from England duo Anthony Watson and Freddie Steward, but it was left to the Chiefs to wrap things up at the close with a last-gasp score for replacement Rus Tuima.

"The way the guys pitched up mentally was pleasing," said Chiefs head coach, Ali Hepher: "We're delighted with how they came through against a really physical side.