Chiefs land first blow in three match run against Gloucester

In Part One of the Exeter Chiefs/Gloucester trilogy, it was Rob Baxter's table-toppers that landed the first telling blow.

Devon's finest made it 'eight from eight' in this season's Gallagher Premiership with a display that showed glimpes of sheer brilliance in attack but, more importantly, real determination and desire in defence.

Despite falling behind to two early penalties from Gloucester fly-half Danny Cipriani, the Chiefs recovered sufficiently to lead 10-6 at the break thanks to a converted try from Nic White and a penalty from Gareth Steenson.

Alex Cuthbert's converted score early in the second half, plus two more Steenson penalties, merely ensured the points for the Chiefs.

Having maintained their perfect record courtesy of a last-gasp victory at Bristol the week previous, Baxter stuck with the majority of those on duty at Ashton Gate. There were changes, though, two of them in the pack where Dave Dennis and Dave Ewers were added, while behind scrum-half White was the sole adjustment to the back division.

Gloucester, meanwhile, fresh from their own impressive home win over Leicester Tigers made five changes in personnel as Val Rapava-Ruskin. And Henry Walker were added to their front-row; Ben Morgan came in for Jaco Kriel; while behind Henry Trinder returned in the midfield and Charlie Sharples was added to the wing.

For the full story, go to: https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/chiefs-23-gloucester-6