Shaun Goosen takes a look back at all of the talking points from the last round of midweek Gallagher Premiership matches.
Exeter make massive statement in Ashton Gate epic
Tuesday evening saw first-placed Chiefs travel to the home of the second-placed Bears in the biggest Premiership tie since the restart. A mostly second-string Exeter side scored three times to lead 15-3 at the break before a big fightback from the hosts saw them hit back with three themselves. Bristol’s third score 10-minutes from fulltime put them in the driver’s seat, but Rob Baxter’s men managed a late, late try to secure a thrilling 25-22 win.
The result sees the Chiefs move 11-points clear at the top of the standings, with Bristol remaining in second. Exeter look well placed to make a fifth consecutive Final appearance this season in underlining their strength in depth this week. Man, they are some side.
Sale back to winning ways
After losing twice since the resumption of the season, Sale got their campaign back on track in earning an invaluable 20-11 win over Wasps at the Ricoh Arena. Despite missing many front men, the bruising Sharks proved to be superior on the day with the victory lifting them into third as Wasps dropped down to fifth.
Rohan Janse van Rensburg was a behemoth in the Sale midfield, while the likes of stand-in skipper Ben Curry also produced a great performance from the side of the scrum. With the playoff race so tight, Wasps may come to rue missing out in what proved to be something of a slow burn encounter in Coventry.
In-form Bath go fourth with win at Franklin’s Gardens
Bath earned a comprehensive 18-3 away win over Northampton to sneak into a playoff position. The result was Stuart Hooper’s side’s third win since play resumed as they continue to push the likes of Saints, Wasps, Sale and Bristol for a spot in the semi-finals. For the hosts, this marks their second loss from their last three. With Harlequins, the Chiefs and the Bears to come in the next three weeks, they will need to find form quickly.
In something of a scrappy affair, Bath’s two second-half scores proved too much in the end.
Round 16 results
Wasps 11-20 Sale
Bristol 22-25 Exeter
Saracens 36-20 Gloucester
Leicester 13-7 London Irish
Worcester 29-14 Harlequins
Northampton 03-18 Bath
Written by Shaun Goosen for Hollywoodbets.
