Exeter Chiefs player ratings vs Northampton Saints as Rob Baxter’s men fell short at Twickenham Stadium.
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Saints made a dream start, scoring inside two minutes when Tommy Freeman capitalised on poor handling from Olly Woodburn and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso after Archie McParland’s kick through.
Exeter responded through Campbell Ridl following a counterattack sparked by Freeman’s intercepted no-look pass. Both sides traded chances in an error-strewn spell before Fin Smith extended Saints’ lead from close range after half an hour.
Just before the break, Chiefs turned down a penalty and were rewarded when Josh Iosefa-Scott scored after the ball fell to him from a lineout.
After a tense start to the second half, a disallowed Rory Hutchinson try was the only notable action until Josh Kemeny received a yellow card for head-on-head contact.
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Exeter seized the advantage, with captain Dafydd Jenkins scoring from close range to give the Chiefs their first lead of the match. The game then opened up as Alex Mitchell was denied by a knock-on over the line.
Northampton regained control when George Hendy finished brilliantly in the corner twice in the space of three minutes, securing a hard-fought victory.
Northampton Saints: 26
- Tries: Tommy Freeman (2′), Fin Smith (32′), George Hendy (65′,68′)
- Cons: Fin Smith (3′,33′,69′)
- Pens:
- Yellow Card: Josh Kemeny (51′)
Exeter Chiefs: 17
- Tries: Campbell Ridl (10′), Josh Iosefa-Scott (40′), Dafydd Jenkins (52′)
- Cons: Henry Slade (53′)
- Pens
- Yellow Card: Dafydd Jenkins (56′)
Exeter Chiefs player ratings
15. Olly Woodburn – 5
Safe enough under the high ball and worked hard throughout, carrying 11 times from the backfield. However, he was involved in the disastrous mix-up with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso that gifted Tommy Freeman a try inside the opening two minutes. Never quite found the attacking opportunities needed to make amends.
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – 6
At fault alongside Woodburn for Freeman’s early score after a costly defensive misunderstanding. Despite that setback, there were flashes of the quality that makes him one of England’s most dangerous backs. Led the match for turnovers conceded with five, but also made 11 tackles and won a breakdown penalty. Saints clearly adjusted their defence to limit his opportunities.
13. Henry Slade – 6
A mixed afternoon from the Exeter skipper. Missed an early conversion before wasting a glorious chance to score himself and then pushed another kick wide before half-time. To his credit, he emerged early after the break and immediately found his range from the tee. Defensively excellent with 13 tackles and provided calm leadership in midfield.
12. Len Ikitau – 7
Exeter’s most threatening back. Alertly pounced on Tommy Freeman’s loose pass and produced a superb offload for Campbell Ridl’s try. Carried strongly throughout, finished with 12 carries and repeatedly got Exeter over the gainline. A classy display.
11. Campbell Ridl – 6
Finished his try superbly after Ikitau’s intervention and was a constant threat whenever Exeter found space out wide. Nearly created another score with a dangerous break down the left. A couple of handling errors prevent a higher mark, but there was plenty to like from the youngster.
10. Harvey Skinner – 5
Looked slightly nervous during Saints’ blistering start and struggled to consistently impose himself on the game. The defining moment came when Alex Coles bulldozed through his tackle on the way to Northampton’s second try. Worked hard defensively with 13 tackles but couldn’t unlock Saints often enough.
9. Stephen Varney – 6
Produced a brilliant 50:22 that created one of Exeter’s best attacking opportunities of the first half. Delivered quick service and kept the Chiefs playing with tempo despite Saints applying heavy pressure around the breakdown.
1. Scott Sio – 5
In his final appearance for Exeter, the veteran prop battled hard but found life difficult against a Northampton pack that gained the upper hand at key moments. Did win a scrum penalty after the break before departing at half-time.
2. Max Norey – N/A
Cruelly forced off after just eight minutes through injury. Not on long enough to receive a rating.
3. Josh Iosefa-Scott – 6
A powerful finish for Exeter’s second try, battering over despite multiple Saints defenders trying to hold him up. Worked tirelessly around the field and finished with 12 tackles before being replaced shortly after half-time.
4. Dafydd Jenkins (c) – 5
Looked set for a higher mark after crashing over to give Exeter the lead early in the second half following a huge carry. Led from the front physically and made 14 tackles. However, his yellow card proved a pivotal moment as Saints scored twice while Exeter were down to 14 men.
5. Andrea Zambonin – 6
A quietly effective display from the Italian lock. Won a turnover, got through plenty of unseen work and never stopped grafting in the tight exchanges.
6. Tom Hooper – 7
One of Exeter’s best forwards. His perfectly timed pass sent Jenkins over for the try that briefly put the Chiefs ahead, while his 11 carries consistently generated momentum. Aggressive, intelligent and hugely influential.
7. Ethan Roots – 6
Produced one of the biggest hits of the afternoon when he folded Fin Smith in half to force a turnover in the opening period. Brought his usual physical edge but wasn’t able to completely dominate the breakdown battle.
8. Greg Fisilau – 8
Exeter’s standout performer. Led all players with 20 tackles and added 10 carries in a tireless display. His work rate kept Exeter alive for long periods and he was consistently at the heart of their best forward play.
Replacements
16. Joseph Dweba – 5
Thrown into action after Norey’s early injury. Had some difficult moments at lineout time, including a crucial overthrow near the Saints line, but battled hard around the field.
17. Ethan Burger – 7
Made a real impact after coming on and helped Exeter gain momentum during parts of the second half. Energetic and aggressive in the loose.
18. Bachuki Tchumbadze – 7
Added physicality and helped Exeter compete better at scrum time after the break. A strong contribution from the bench.
19. Christ Tshiunza – 7
Provided genuine impact when introduced, carrying strongly and bringing energy around the field as Exeter chased the game.
20. Ross Vintcent – 6
Added fresh legs and physicality but struggled to influence proceedings as much as some of Exeter’s other replacements.
21. Kane James – 6
Lively during his brief spell and looked to inject pace around the breakdown.
22. Tom Cairns – 5
Limited involvement after entering late on.
23. Will Haydon-Wood – 6
Tried to spark Exeter’s attack during the closing stages and showed plenty of ambition with ball in hand.
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