Storming second-half takes Exeter Chiefs to the verge of play-offs

Eyes of the rugby world are understandably fixed on the Six Nations but the focus for Exeter Chiefs is booking a place in the play-off round of the PREM Rugby Cup.

Welcoming Gloucester to Sandy Park, the Chiefs surged in front with a try from the in-form Campbell Ridl. The visitors responded brightly and had the home faithful shifting uncomfortably in their seats as they raced to a 14-7 lead.

It would prove to be the last points scored by Gloucester, as Exeter went on a rugby rampage. Zack Wimbush dived under the posts to level matters at half-time and the strength of Will Goodrick-Clarke took the Chiefs in front minutes into the second half.

Ridl rattled in two more tries in quick succession to seal his hat-trick, his second in as many games, and Gloucester looked a beaten side when home skipper Ethan Roots ploughed through their bedraggled defences.

The Chiefs continued to be ruthless in their work, Wimbush running the full length of the pitch for his second try and then Paul Brown-Bampoe finished in the corner for a 48-14 win. Another triumph at home to Bath next weekend and it will be job done for Exeter Chiefs.