Exeter’s sorry start to season continues with heavy defeat to Harlequins

Open-side flanker Will Evans scored a brace of tries as Harlequins record an emphatic 36-19 win at Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher Premiership.

Chiefs came into the match searching for a first win of the Premiership season and faced a Quins side without their England stars.

However, the likes of Marcus Smith, Fin Baxter and Joe Marler had more than suitable replacements.

With both sides needing a win to boost their Premiership hopes, Oscar Beard’s opener for Quins was quickly cancelled out by Ross Vintcent in reply.

However, Argentine winger Rodrigo Isgro, who is making a big impact at Harlequins, put his side back ahead before Evans scored a third try with just 24 minutes played.

Despite Will Rigg pulling the Chiefs back within seven points at the break, Evans was on hand to put the visitors out of sight with a bonus-point score early in the second half.

Hopes of a late Chiefs charge were boosted by a Ben Hammersley try, but it was Quins who were triumphant with Cadan Murley sealing the win with a fifth try for the visitors late on.

Quins head into the international break in fifth, while Chiefs have now lost six consecutive matches and have five points to their name from six outings.

Talking Point – Henry Slade boosts England chances

Exeter outside centre Henry Slade made his first appearance of the season for Chiefs in a search for match fitness.

Slade was a key part in a battling display by the hosts who ended the first half just five points behind their visitors.

The 31-year-old was the only member of the England squad released by England coach Steve Borthwick to play in the Gallagher Premiership this weekend.

Slade, who had shoulder surgery in the summer, was replaced after 54 minutes and looked in fine shape. Borthwick will now decide if the Exeter man is fit enough to face the All Blacks next weekend, live on TNT Sports.

Player of the match – Will Evans (Harlequins)

The open-side flanker was a key cog in a Harlequins side who overcame a tough test to see off a determined Exeter.

Evans broke through early on and despite not passing to his open team-mate and being held up, Beard saved his blushes to score the opening try a phase later.

However, the mistake did not deter him and Evans ran through his first try on 24 minutes.

With the match still in the balance a second try for Evans put his side into a commanding position to run out victors.

Player Ratings

Exeter Chiefs: Sio 6, Frost 7, Painter 7, Molina 6, Capstick 6, Vincent 7, Vermeulen 6, Fisilau 7, Becconsall 6, Haydon-Wood 7, Brown-Bampoe 8, Rigg 7, Slade 7, Woodburn 7, Hodge 7. Replacements: Yeandle 6, Goodrick-Clarke 6, Street 6, Tuima 6, Roots 6, Townsend 6, Skinner 6, Hammersley 7.

Harlequins: Els 7, Walker 7, Lamositele 7, Herbst 7, Lewies 7, Kenningham 7, W Evans 8, Chisholm 7, Porter 7, J Evans 8, Murley 8, Anyanwu 8, Beard 8, Isgro 8, Green 8. Replacements: Jibulu 6, Jones 6, Kerrod 6, Launchbury 6, Lawday 6, Care 7, David 6

Match Highlights

15 – TRY! EXETER CHIEFS 0-5 HARLEQUINS (BEARD): Evans broke through the line and instead of passing for Porter he goes for the whitewash and is held up.

Fortunately for the Quins man the ball comes back out for Beard to cross. However, the conversion is wide.

18 – TRY! EXETER CHIEFS (VINCENT) 7-5 HARLEQUINS: Slade and Woodburn combine before the latter releases Vincent to charge across the try-line.

Slade then sends over a confident conversion to put his side ahead

21- TRY! EXETER CHIEFS 7-12 HARLEQUINS (ISGRO): Morley feeds winger Isgro who burst past his marker and then charges straight through the final defender. This time the try is converted by Evans

25 -TRY! EXETER CHIEFS 7-19 HARLEQUINS (W EVANS): After missing the early opportunity Will Evans this time can’t be stopped as Kenningham provides the assist to send his team-mate through under the posts.

Jarrod Evans converts to put his side into a clear lead.

35 -TRY! EXETER CHIEFS (RIGG) 12-19 HARLEQUINS: Great play by the hosts as Hodge finds Rigg along the line. Quins are guilty of over committing to defending the wing and Rigg cuts inside to dot down.

A second conversion of the day for Slade.

53 -TRY! EXETER CHIEFS 14-26 HARLEQUINS (W EVANS): A strong drive as the ball comes off Chrisholm’s leg before he collects the ball and feeds the ball to Will Evans to cross under pressure for his second try of the day.

Jarrod Evans slots over a difficult conversion to increase their score.

56 -TRY! EXETER CHIEFS (HAMMERSLEY) 19-26 HARLEQUINS: Replacement Hammersley capitalises on a Hodge pass as the Chiefs pile forward looking for a response.

TMO looks at the try but decides Hodge’s pass is not ‘clearly forward’ and it is awarded. Hodge has a difficult conversion which he hooks wide

78 – TRY! EXETER CHIEFS 19-36 HARLEQUINS: Out the back of a scrum Care is released out wide, he runs out of speed but kicks through to team-mate Murley to cross

Jarrod Evans converts to add the extras

Key Stats

Harlequins’ win was their first at Sandy Park for 10 yearsExeter Chiefs have now lost six consecutive matches which dates back to last seasonStream the Gallagher Premiership, 2024 Autumn Nations Series and Premiership Women’s Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+