Chiefs rout Cardiff to seal home tie in last 16

European Challenge Cup

Exeter (19) 31

Cons: Slade 3, Dweba, Heaven, and Tchumbadze 2,

In the final 16 of the European Challenge Cup, Chiefs of Exeter defeated a reshuffled Cardiff side to secure a home tie. Bachuki Tchumbadze scored a pair of early braces.

Before hooker Joseph Dweba extended the Chiefs’ lead to 19-0 at the break, the tighthead prop went over twice at Sandy Park.

After a slow opening period, Exeter changed their forward line, and Julian Heaven, Dweba’s replacement, added another try to add bonus points.

The home side quickly set out for their first penalty penalty game as Cardiff made ten changes to their lineup.

Exeter immediately regrouped at a lineout, and Tchumbadze burrowed over for the opening score, despite the visitors’ escape from punishment for what appeared to be a high tackle on Harvey Skinner.

Rory Thornton of Cardiff was sent to the sin-bin after being fouled by Varney, and his team were 19 points ahead when the second row returned to the field.

TMO Marius Jonker confirmed Tchumbadze’s second try of the game, and Dweba pressed his way over in the corner a second dominant lineout and drive later.

At the end of the second period, the Chiefs held a commanding lead, but Cardiff quickly stepped up, running the ball well and gaining territory as they forced the hosts back.

When Ioan Lloyd sent a chip through for Tom Bowen to gather and dot down, it appeared as though Cardiff would receive some compensation for their efforts, but the try was ruled out for a knock-on in the build-up.

After Ethan Roots won possession at the lineout and Heaven darted away from the whitewash, Exeter was the one who scored once more.

Replacements: Hammersley, Goodrick-Clarke, J Roots, Tuima, Pearson, Capstick, Chapman, and Heaven.

Cardiff: Grady, Smit, Jennings, Bowen, Mulder, Southworth, E Lloyd, Wainwright, McNally, Thornton, Botham, Thomas, Basham, and McLean.

Hughes, Domachowski, Sebastian, Nott, Lawrence, Cottle, Davies, and Winnett are the replacements.