Ulster pile more misery on a bleak Exeter Chiefs’ campaign

One victory in the Gallagher Premiership from ten fixtures, zero from four in the European Champions Cup, including some chastening losses, and it all adds up to a season getting worse at every turn for Exeter Chiefs.

A Friday night trip to Ulster on the European stage is never an easy task but the Chiefs of old would still fancy their chances. The 2024/25 version, sadly, is lacking in confidence and cohesion, as demonstrated by a 52-24 thumping in Northern Ireland.

There were promising signs in the opening half, Exeter even raced into an early lead and were well in the game at half-time with the scores level on 17-17. After the break, however, Ulster stepped on the gas and the Chiefs had no answer, conceding five tries in 40 brutal minutes.

Paul Brown-Bampoe has been one of the few shining lights for Exeter in the European campaign, adding his third try in two games to give Ulster an early jolt. The start got better for the Chiefs when Ross Vintcent dived over for a magnificent solo effort and a 12-0 lead.

The forward power of the hosts quickly restored parity, Cormac Izuchukwu and Dave McCann both bundling over close-range tries. Rus Tuima added another for Exeter but Nick Timoney drew the game level again with a surging run through Exeter’s porous defence.

The half-time chats had polar-opposite impacts on the two teams, as Ulster came out firing and Exeter spluttered meekly out of the game. Ulster bagged three tries in the space of eight minutes and the game was done.

Izuchukwu ended the game with a hat-trick for the rampant hosts, while Exeter’s only solace was a late consolation try from Zack Wimbush. The Chiefs return to Sandy Park next weekend for another tough game at home to Saracens.