Exeter Chiefs Deliver Dominant Display to Down Harlequins
Exeter Chiefs put on one of their best performances of the Gallagher Premiership season, cruising to a bonus-point victory over Harlequins at Sandy Park.
The hosts crossed the tryline seven times, with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso leading the way with a brace of scores. No 8 Greg Fisilau was instrumental in the Chiefs’ dominant second-half display, which saw them pull away from a Harlequins side that struggled for energy just six days after their Champions Cup semi-final defeat.
“In the second half, we collapsed defensively,” admitted Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson. “It was really poor, and we were punished by a good team.”
While Quins managed a late consolation through Louis Lynagh, the bonus-point win keeps Exeter firmly in the play-off race heading into the final round of the regular season.
“We’re in control of our destiny next week over Harlequins at least, and Bristol didn’t get anything,” said Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter. “It’s going to be absolutely crazy next week. We haven’t won at Leicester for a while, but I’m just delighted the whole week is going to be exciting.”
The Chiefs lacked early accuracy but eventually broke through with tries from Henry Slade, Feyi-Waboso, and Dan John. Tyrone Green and Alex Dombrandt scored for the visitors in a back-and-forth first half.
However, the second period was all one-way traffic, as Exeter’s dynamism and power overwhelmed a tiring Harlequins side. Harvey Skinner, Feyi-Waboso, and home captain Dafydd Jenkins all crossed the whitewash, with Henry Slade’s reliable boot adding further gloss to the scoreline.
The result leaves Exeter in the thick of the play-off race heading into next weekend’s final-day showdown with Leicester Tigers, a match Baxter described as “absolutely crazy.”
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