Eight-try Chiefs show their attacking edge

EXETER belied the often-peddled but mistaken belief that they are a forward-oriented outfit who grind sides down as their all-singing, all-dancing eight-try display ran Bath ragged.

- MIKE SINCLAIR

True, the foundation was built on pack dominance driven by a huge performance from Harry Williams, again deemed surplus to Six Nations requirements by England boss Eddie Jones.

The Chiefs’ scrum constantly forced a strong Bath forward unit into reverse but, from the off, Exeter adopted an expansive approach, moving the ball out wide and cutting the visitors to ribbons.

It was an all-round impressive performance with stand-ins and regulars contributing in equal measure as misfiring Bath were roundly punished for their errors – some of their own making and some induced by relentless pressure.

From full-back Phil Dollman, now second choice to Scotland skipper Stuart Hogg, to pacy, powerful Sam Simmonds – the No.8 ignored by England despite consistently excellent performances since his return from the knee surgery which ended his World Cup hopes – there was scarcely a weak link.