"There is still a long way to go but Exeter would have settled for their current position back in the summer. Second place in the Prem table heading into 2026 with momentum building nicely is a very different story from last season's grim struggle and, in front of a 15,000 capacity crowd, here was another example of exactly why they are a developing force."
"While this was not quite as compelling as their pre-Christmas raid on Saracens, the Chiefs could conceivably have registered another half-dozen tries in the absence of Len Ikitau, their injured Wallaby centre. Another barnstorming display from No 8 Greg Fisilau set the standard and the whole side showed enough physicality and defensive hunger to leave the Tigers to survive on seasonal scraps."
"Chiefs, bottom of the heap 12 months ago, might even have been on top entering the new year for the first time in five years had they not been denied a try bonus point at the death. Campbell Ridl and Will Goodrick-Clarke both dropped balls over the line but even without them their side now sit only a point behind leaders Northampton, with next week's visit to Bath looming as a significant game for both sides."
Exeter Chiefs sit second in the Premiership table heading into 2026, a major improvement from a season-long struggle. The side played in front of a 15,000 crowd and demonstrated growing momentum, physicality and defensive hunger. Len Ikitau's absence limited scoring opportunities, but No 8 Greg Fisilau produced a barnstorming display and opened the scoring after seven minutes. Campbell Ridl and Will Goodrick-Clarke dropped potential tries that denied a try bonus point. The Chiefs trail leaders Northampton by one point and face a significant visit to Bath next week. Rob Baxter appears to be successfully rebuilding a squad capable of competing for titles.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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