Following Exeter Chiefs’ 42-12 win over the Cheetahs at Sandy Park, here is how we scored Rob Baxter’s side in the EPCR Challenge Cup clash.
Exeter Chiefs player ratings v Cheetahs
15 Ben Hammersley: Unfortunately, came off early into the day through injury. N/A.
14 Olly Woodburn: Grew into the game as it went on and ultimately played a key role in his side’s attack. Seems to flourish in his new floating role, finding himself in nice pockets of space as a result. 7
13 Henry Slade: Aside from a sloppy kick to the corner, a strong outing. Showed some strong defensive solidity with three turnovers to his name, and backed that up with some customary attacking efforts too. Was also automatic off the tee and grabbed a try in the process. 7
12 Len Ikitau: The world-class centre continues to thrive in his new colours. Started the scoring off with a tidy try, and consistently looked for ways to get his hands on the ball with 12 carries. 7
11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso: Typically explosive performance from the England winger, who is enjoying some terrific form this year. Always looked a threat ball-in-hand, notably finishing with a team-high tally of 86 metres and grabbing a try for his troubles, and packed a real punch in defence too. 7
10 Harvey Skinner: He’s been growing steadily into the new season, after a pretty rough campaign last time out, but this was potentially his best outing thus far as he dropped a proper exhibition of fly-half excellence. Just oozed confidence around the park, directing Exeter around the park and getting them playing in the right areas. His ability to identify space and then ice the skill to get the ball there was so pivotal in the rout. 8
9 Charlie Chapman: While not as impactful as his half-back partner, he didn’t do much wrong. Distributed well out of the ruck, getting his side playing some nice rugby in the process. 6
Back-row
8 Greg Fisilau: Supremely powerful stint from the England A man. Consistently dragged his side over the gainline ball-in-hand, and was always willing to take a carry – leading the way across the match with 15 carries to his name. 7
7 Ethan Roots: Gritty shift once again from the England international. Just brought a real intent to his side’s defence, putting in big shot after big shot and ending as his side’s top tackler with 14. 7
6 Tom Hooper: Another decent outing from the new recruit, who has quickly found a home in the South West. Brought plenty of physicality on both sides of the ball, and got himself stuck in from the off. 6
Tight five
5 Andrea Zambonin: Looks right at home in this Chiefs pack, and again more than contributed to his side’s efforts. 6
4 Dafydd Jenkins: Simply ran his blood to water for his side. Always seemed to be in the right place at the right time to get his side out of trouble and calm things down, be it with a big tackle or just a settler carry. Brought heaps of physicality within that too, and excelled in the lineout. Proper captain’s knock. 7
3 Bachuki Tchumbadze: Handed his first start in Chiefs colours, after some nice outings in the PREM, and enjoyed a fine day’s work tonight in all facets of the game. His try-saving tackle on Gideon van der Merwe was quite something as well. 7
2 Jack Yeandle: Typical Jack Yeandle shift, in all honesty. Never took a backwards step in the tight exchanges, and made some big interventions in the process. 6
1 Scott Sio: A strong shift from the dual Samoa and Australia international. Looked solid in the scrum, got involved in the loose and grabbed a try. 6
Replacements: The bench simply carried on from where the starters left off, in all honesty. Dan John alone would have scored a 7 after his early introduction, with the Welshman looking increasingly dangerous ball-in-hand, but the rest of the bench certainly followed suit. Will Goodrick-Clarke, Joseph Dweba and Jimmy Roots looked rock solid in the scrum, while Lewis Pearson and Kane James added plenty of intent up front too. Tom Cairns and Will Haydon-Wood also gave a decent account of themselves. 7
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