Toulouse End Exeter's European Dreams
Exeter Chiefs bowed out of the Investec Champions Cup at the quarter-final stage after defeat to five-time champions Toulouse.
Having seen off the challenge of Bath a week earlier, the Vertu Motors-backed side made the trip to the Stade Toulouse hoping to upset the French side and took the lead through the boot of Henry Slade when he kicked an early penalty.
The lead was short-lived as Romain Ntamack crossed the line for the first try of the game before Slade again responded with the boot, and a third penalty alongside a try for Ethan Roots meant the Chiefs were just a point behind at the break – with Jack Willis having scored a second try for the home side.
Slade kicked the Chiefs back in front shortly after half-time but the home side then took complete control – running in seven tries in the second 40 minutes.
Blair Kinghorn would prove to be the difference as he scored two tries amongst a 23 point haul with Zack Wimbush scoring the only second-half try for Chiefs.
Whilst it meant a record defeat in European competition, Exeter director of Rugby Rob Baxter declared himself pleased with his young team given the strength of the opposition, with focus now turning back to the domestic game for the remainder of the season.
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