Exeter top-four hopes hit by superb Quins comeback

"Harlequins put a dent in Exeter Chiefs' play-off hopes with a blistering 41-24 come-from-behind Prem victory to boost their own aspirations of Champions Cup rugby next season. Leading 24-14 at half-time, fourth-placed Chiefs had looked set to further cement their hopes of competing for a spot in the Prem final. But after a second-half blitz from a youthful Quins side, which scored 27 unanswered points, the visitors were left nervously contemplating two difficult games against Leicester and Saracens in order to book their post-season place."

"Twickenham's Allianz Stadium proved a very different place in a first half that Chiefs dominated, notching four tries and a bonus point, than the second period when they could not live with Quins' energy. More follows. Harlequins: Benson, Anderson, Northmore, Bradley, Murley, Smith, Friday; Hobson, Riley, Delgado, Carr, Williams, Cunningham-South, Kenningham, Dombrandt (c). Replacements: Musk, Wenger, Streeter, Green, Driscoll, Evans, Porter, Isgro."

"Exeter (24) 24 Tries: Ridl, Varney, Norey, Ikitau Cons: Slade 2 Harlequins (14) 41 Tries: Kenningham, Northmore, Murley, Porter, Evans, Wenger Cons: Smith 3 Pens: Smith. Exeter: Woodburn, Brown-Bampoe, Slade, Ikitau, Ridl, Skinner, Varney; Sio, Norey, Iosefa-Scott, Jenkins (c), Zambonin, Hooper, Tshiunza, Vintcent. Replacements: Dweba, Burger, Tchumbadze, Tuima, Worley-Brady, Cairns, Haydon-Wood, Feyi-Waboso."

Harlequins secured a 41-24 Premier victory over Exeter Chiefs to dent Exeter’s play-off hopes and strengthen their own prospects for Champions Cup rugby next season. Exeter led 24-14 at half-time and had been on course to boost their chances of reaching the Prem final. A second-half surge from a youthful Harlequins side produced 27 unanswered points, changing the match’s momentum and leaving Exeter facing pressure in the remaining fixtures. The first half saw Exeter dominate at Allianz Stadium, scoring four tries and earning a bonus point, while the second half belonged to Harlequins’ energy and execution. Exeter now must navigate difficult games against Leicester and Saracens to secure a post-season place.

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