Exeter Chiefs Crush Harlequins in a 38-0 Shutout at Sandy Park
It was a masterclass in precision, power, and patience as Exeter Chiefs dismantled Harlequins 38-0 in front of an ecstatic Sandy Park crowd. The victory, marked by Henry Slade’s brace and flawless game management, showcased Exeter’s growing dominance in the Gallagher Premiership. From the opening whistle, the Chiefs looked sharper in every department, controlling possession and territory with a relentless tempo that left the visitors gasping for rhythm. Harlequins, coming off an impressive win over Saracens, were simply outmuscled and out-thought by an Exeter side playing with confidence and cohesion.
Pre-match expectations had been high for a closely fought contest, with both teams boasting form and flair in attack. The blustery Devon conditions seemed set to level the playing field, but instead they played directly into Exeter’s hands. Harlequins never looked settled, struggling to adapt to the wind and the physical pressure of the Chiefs pack. By half-time, the hosts were already 24 points clear, with their dominance leaving little doubt about the final outcome. Even the most loyal away fans could see this was going to be one-way traffic until the final whistle.
Heading into the match, most bookmakers had Exeter as favourites at around 4/6, while Harlequins sat near 13/8. Those watching the odds drift during live play on platforms like new betting sites quickly realised the gulf in class unfolding before them. These online sports betting platforms made it easy for fans to react in real time, adjusting wagers as Exeter extended their lead. By the 70th minute, in-play odds on a Harlequins comeback had stretched to triple digits, which is a reflection of how commanding the Chiefs’ performance had become under the rain-soaked lights of Sandy Park.
Henry Slade was the star of the show, scoring two tries and converting four. His leadership, accuracy, and control were instrumental, particularly as Exeter capitalised on Quins’ repeated errors in handling and discipline. His cross-field kick that set up Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s opener was a moment of pure class, igniting the crowd and setting the tone for the afternoon. Feyi-Waboso’s form continues to impress, with the winger’s sixth try in four Premiership games underlining his growing reputation as one of England’s most exciting attacking talents.
Exeter’s pack was unrelenting, dictating the tempo of play and grinding down Harlequins with every scrum and maul. Tom Hooper and Len Ikitau both impressed on their debuts, adapting seamlessly to the Premiership’s intensity. The pair’s chemistry in defence and at the breakdown gave Exeter stability and aggression, helping them dominate possession for large stretches of the match. Harlequins’ attempts to counter through Marcus Smith’s kicking game repeatedly fell short, with his normally pinpoint accuracy deserting him in crucial moments.
By the second half, the result was no longer in doubt. Exeter’s fourth try, finished by Fisilau, came after a fluid passing move that left Harlequins chasing shadows. Every offload and support run seemed to click for the Chiefs, while Quins’ frustrations boiled over into indiscipline: two yellow cards in the final 15 minutes summed up their afternoon. The crowd at Sandy Park could sense a statement win unfolding, and the players responded with ruthless efficiency to secure their bonus point.
It was a day to forget for Harlequins, who never looked capable of breaching the Exeter defence. Smith, who had been the hero against the Saracens, endured a torrid outing, failing to orchestrate any meaningful attack. Their lack of cohesion and control in the wet conditions highlighted how far they lag behind Exeter’s precision and structure. The defeat leaves them with questions about consistency, while Exeter look increasingly like serious contenders this season.
Exeter’s coaching staff will take great satisfaction from the balance on their side; a blend of youthful energy and seasoned composure. Every player knew their role, from the first whistle to the final conversion. The control shown by Slade and Skinner in directing play through the phases was textbook rugby, their calmness under pressure a reflection of the club’s renewed focus under Rob Baxter’s evolving system.
For the fans, it was a match to remember. Sandy Park’s atmosphere was electric, with every turnover and try met by a roar that seemed to shake the South Stand. The energy from the home supporters clearly fed into the players’ intensity, turning the contest into a celebration of everything Exeter rugby stands for: discipline, power, and precision.
As the full-time whistle blew, Harlequins were left staring at a scoreboard that told the full story: 38-0, a clean sheet, and a message to the rest of the Premiership. Exeter Chiefs are not just back in form. They are redefining it. If this performance is anything to go by, few teams will fancy a trip to Sandy Park this season.
