Exeter Chiefs player ratings: England trio can hold heads high after sobering Champions Cup loss
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso for Exeter Chiefs against Toulouse.
Following their 64-26 loss to Toulouse in the Investec Champions Cup quarter-final at Stade Ernest Wallon, here’s how the Exeter squad performed on Sunday.
Exeter player ratings v Toulouse
15 Josh Hodge: Never took a backward step but was regularly chasing shadows in the second half as Toulouse bust through some rather weak Exeter defence. Hodge missed four tackles of his own and finished with 37 metres from his seven carries. 4
14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso: Showed his quality once again in flashes, with his power and dynamism causing Toulouse plenty of problems. Feyi-Waboso has such a bright future at both club and international level, with the England star beating four defenders from his seven carries that saw him rack up 58 metres. 6
13 Henry Slade: Went close to scoring early on and was a real leader as Exeter enjoyed a strong first half. Unfortunately things unravelled after the break and defensively the Chiefs midfield was found wanting. Slade was excellent off the kicking tee, however, which, coupled with a lovely try assist, bumps him up a mark. 6
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12 Ollie Devoto: Came off second best to an impressive Toulouse midfield that saw Paul Costes and Pita Ahki shine. Replaced after 51 minutes by the impressive Zack Wimbush. 4
11 Olly Woodburn: Busy early on as he was his usual roaming self around the field. 12 carries for 55 metres that included three defenders beaten is an admirable return under difficult circumstances for his team. Solid under the high ball. 5
10 Harvey Skinner: Won’t want to see the replay of being bumped off by Jack Willis for the back-row’s first try. In possession his distribution was slick early on before Toulouse turned on the style. Replaced on the hour. 4
9 Tom Cairns: Often flustered under the immense pressure Toulouse’s powerful pack applied at the breakdown, it was a tough outing at the base. 4
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8 Ross Vintcent: Despite an industrious effort in the first half, Vintcent couldn’t quite replicate his excellent recent form. Was sent for a HIA early in the second half and didn’t return as Greg Fisilau replaced him. 4
7 Christ Tshiunza: A noticeably quiet day at the office from the Wales international as the hosts’ back-row dominated their opposite numbers. 3
6 Ethan Roots: Physical early on and was rewarded with a try. Despite being at fault as he shot out of the line to create a hole for Ahki’s first try in the second half, Roots can be proud of his efforts as 15 carries for 30 metres alongside 14 tackles is an impressive shift. 6
5 Dafydd Jenkins: He, like the rest of this young Chiefs side, will learn a great deal from this sobering loss. Despite looking dejected at his team’s plight at times, Jenkins emptied the tank and led from the front. 5
4 Rusi Tuima: A lovely inside ball for the Roots try, the 23-year-old is another young Chief with a bright future. He held his own against the monstrous Emmanuel Meafou early on but as the Toulouse man grew into the game as it wore on, Tuima did the opposite in a tough learning experience. 4
Front-row
3 Ehren Painter: Continues to prove to be a shrewd capture from Northampton Saints, Painter was impressively solid against Cyril Baille and it was noticeable that when he was replaced, Exeter appeared to lose the slight dominance they had at scrum time. 6
2 Jack Yeandle: Also deserves credit for Exeter’s early success at scrum time while Yeandle found his men with his darts. A solid hour at the coalface. 5
1 Scott Sio: Helped provide a solid platform at the scrum but wasn’t his usual busy self with ball in hand when Exeter needed a special performance from those up front. 4
Replacements: Toulouse had their tails up after the break and none of the Exeter bench, besides Wimbush, made a real impact on proceedings. The 20-year-old looks to have a bright future. 3
READ MORE: Toulouse player ratings: Blair Kinghorn and Jack Willis shine in statement win over Exeter Chiefs
