Storming first half sinks Wasps and sends Exeter top
The champions recorded a third successive bonus-point victory.
Champions Exeter reclaimed top spot in the Aviva Premiership by stinging Wasps 31-17 at Sandy Park and recording a third successive bonus-point victory.
Last season’s Premiership final between the clubs needed extra-time to decide it, but the Chiefs’ ruthless first-half performance meant they were out of sight by the break.
Wing Olly Woodburn scored two tries, while flankers Dave Dennis and Don Armand also touched down – all four scores came between the ninth and 38th minutes – to showcase Exeter’s first-half dominance and underpin a second defeat on the bounce for Wasps after they lost to Harlequins last weekend.
What they said
Tweet of the match
Star man – Woodburn
Exeter’s England internationals like Jack Nowell and Henry Slade often attract the headlines, but unsung wing Woodburn is among the Premiership’s most prolific finishers. And he underlined his try-scoring prowess once again by claiming another double, striking twice during the first half at Sandy Park and completely outplaying opposite number Christian Wade.
Moment of the match
England head coach Eddie Jones is thought to be looking closely at Slade as a midfield option for the autumn Tests this season, and he delivered an accomplished performance against Wasps, highlighted by a gliding midfield break and effortless brush-off of Wade to create Woodburn’s second try and underline the star quality he possesses.
Stat of the match
Wasps, for all of their impressive work under rugby director Dai Young, cannot crack the code for success at Sandy Park. Their latest defeat in Devon was a 10th from 11 visits in all competitions, and the one game they did not lose ended in a draw.
Player ratings
Who’s up next?
Leicester v Exeter (Aviva Premiership, Saturday September 30)
Wasps v Bath (Aviva Premiership, Sunday October 1)
