The short version
- Bath defeated Exeter Chiefs in their opening match of the new Premiership season, winning by a single point despite trailing late in the contest.
- The game featured eleven tries across both teams, highlighting an aggressive attacking style that has characterized the early rounds of the league.
- Exeter recovered from a significant halftime deficit to force a close finish, securing two bonus points for their performance despite the loss.
Bath Rugby secured a crucial victory over local rivals Exeter Chiefs in the opening round of the new Premiership season, winning by a single point in a match defined by high-scoring exchanges and dramatic momentum shifts. The result provided Bath with a measure of redemption following their defeat to Exeter in the previous season's semi-final, a contest that ended Bath's championship reign. Both teams entered the fixture with an emphasis on expansive play, resulting in a game that saw eleven tries scored between them.
Bath established early dominance, capitalizing on defensive errors and quick ball movement to build a substantial lead before halftime. Cameron Redpath intercepted a pass from Exeter's Harvey Skinner near his own try line, sprinting clear for the opening score. This was followed by a try from Bernard van der Linde, who exploited a gap in the defense after a dummy move. Dan du Preez added to Bath's tally after combining with Ewan Richards, and Finn Russell crossed the line himself to complete a four-try first half. Russell converted his own effort, leaving Bath ahead 26-10 at the break.
Exeter managed to score twice in the first half through Stephen Varney and Jack Yeandle, but they struggled to contain Bath's attacking fluidity. The hosts' performance was particularly sharp in the opening period, with van der Linde proving instrumental in breaking down Exeter's defensive structure. Despite Exeter's efforts to respond, Bath maintained control until the interval, mirroring the halftime scoreline of their previous encounter at the same venue.
The second half saw a dramatic reversal of fortunes as Exeter mounted a fierce comeback. Josh Iosefa-Scott scored following a powerful driving maul by Kane James, narrowing the gap significantly. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso then produced two impressive tries, one after cutting inside from the touchline and another supported by Will Butt's midfield break. These scores allowed Exeter to overturn Bath's 16-point halftime lead into a five-point advantage within fifteen minutes of the restart.
Bath responded to the pressure with contributions from their substitute bench, which director of rugby Johann van Graan praised for their impact. A penalty try was awarded after Stephen Varney committed a deliberate knock-on, and Ted Hill crossed for a try following the sin-binning of Italy number nine. Russell added the conversion, restoring Bath's lead. Although Henry Slade missed a penalty that could have further reduced the margin, Exeter's Harvey Skinner kicked a late penalty to ensure his team secured a losing bonus point.
The final score reflected the intense back-and-forth nature of the contest, with Bath finishing just ahead after a tense conclusion. The match underscored the competitive balance between the two clubs, as well as the high-scoring trend evident in the early stages of the new Premiership season. With 63 tries scored across six matches so far, the league has seen an emphasis on attacking rugby that both teams embraced fully.
For Bath, the victory marks a strong start to their campaign, earning maximum points from their opening two fixtures. Van Graan emphasized the importance of the entire squad, noting that players 16 through 23 were vital in securing the win after Exeter's second-half surge. The performance demonstrated resilience and depth, key attributes for a team aiming to reclaim the title they lost last season.
Exeter, despite the loss, gained valuable points toward their bonus point tally. Director of rugby Rob Baxter expressed satisfaction with the qualities displayed by his team, particularly after a patchy performance in their previous match against Gloucester. The ability to come back from a significant deficit and secure two bonus points suggests that Exeter has a competitive foundation to build upon as the season progresses.
The rivalry between Bath and Exeter continues to produce compelling fixtures, with this encounter adding another chapter to their recent history. Both teams demonstrated offensive prowess and tactical flexibility, setting a high standard for the remainder of the Premiership campaign. As the season unfolds, the ability to maintain such attacking intensity while managing defensive vulnerabilities will likely determine success for both clubs.
Looking ahead, Bath's strong start positions them as early contenders, while Exeter's bonus point accumulation keeps them in contention despite the narrow defeat. The match highlighted the fine margins in modern rugby, where a single penalty or missed conversion can alter the outcome. Both teams will now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures, carrying the momentum and lessons from this high-stakes derby into the next phase of the competition.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Bath gain revenge on Exeter to win 11-try thriller
