Champions Cup Highlights: Exeter Chiefs v Toulouse

Exeter Chiefs put in a power-packed display to defeat Toulouse 28-18 at Sandy Park. Two tries in each half – including a brace from Harry Williams – proved crucial for Exeter who were clinical from close range throughout a titanic semi-final tussle. Toulouse made a bright start and were the only side to trouble the scoresheet for the opening half hour, with Thomas Ramos making the most of Exeter’s misdemeanors at the breakdown and giving the visitors a six point lead.  Exeter would soon respond in typical Chiefs fashion as Tom O’Flaherty picked a gap to take them within two metres of the line. That allowed a string of powerful forward phases before Harry Williams managed to burrow a way over the line with the ball in hand. Toulouse wing Cheslin Kolbe soon helped them hit back with a breakaway down the right wing, putting Exeter on the back foot. Toulouse took full advantage by spreading play back along to the left wing and into the open space for Alban Placines to sprint down the touchline and dive over in the corner. Exeter managed a grab a crucial score just before the break to put them back ahead. The Chiefs also managed to get the first try of the second period, with Williams grabbing his second. They then grabbed a fourth try and secured their spot in next month’s Heineken Champions Cup final as O’Flaherty again made a break through the line and as the ball came back into the centre, Joe Simmonds sold a sumptuous dummy.