Chiefs power into Premiership Rugby Cup final with win over Saints

Exeter Chiefs produced a commanding defensive display to beat Northampton Saints 31-14 at Sandy Park and secure a place in the Premiership Rugby Cup final.

Rob Baxter’s side ran in four tries, with full-back Josh Hodge scoring twice, as Chiefs controlled much of the contest in front of a vocal home crowd.

Exeter struck early when scrum-half Tom Cairns broke from the base of a ruck and offloaded to Hodge, who crossed under the posts for a converted try. Northampton responded through centre Tom Litchfield, whose score was converted by Anthony Belleau to level the game.

Henry Slade restored the hosts’ lead with a penalty before Exeter extended their advantage before the break. Captain Jack Yeandle led a powerful close-range attack, with Zack Wimbush finishing the move and Slade converting to give Chiefs a 17-7 half-time lead.

The hosts added a third try shortly after the restart when Greg Fisilau powered over from close range, again converted by Slade.

Northampton threatened through Litchfield but Cairns produced a crucial tackle to halt the attack, as Exeter’s defence held firm for much of the second half.

Chiefs sealed the win on 70 minutes when a quick counter-attack from their own 22 ended with Hodge collecting Campbell Ridl’s offload to score his second try, converted by Slade.

Charlie Ulcoq grabbed a late consolation for Saints, but Exeter had already done enough to book their place in the final against Leicester Tigers.