Exeter Chiefs lose Champions Cup clash despite Wimbush's hat-trick

Exeter Chiefs came agonisingly close to a famous Champions Cup victory, only to be denied by a missed penalty in the final moments of a pulsating 40-26 defeat to Toulouse ^[1]. The match, played in France, saw 14 men on the field for Exeter after prop Rodrigue Neti was sent off in the 16th minute for a shoulder-to-head tackle on Ross Vintcent.

Zack Wimbush, who started on the wing following the injury to England international Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, scored a hat-trick of tries, including a lightning-quick second-minute effort that stunned the home crowd ^[1]. Toulouse responded with tries from Ange Capuozzo and a penalty try, while Exeter’s Sam Harris was sin-binned after the penalty try.

Despite being reduced to 14 men, Exeter led 26-24 at half-time after a frenetic first 40 minutes that produced eight tries — four each — and two yellow cards ^[1]. The second half saw the lead change hands multiple times, with Exeter extending their advantage after a chargedown try by Will Butt, but Toulouse’s Matias Remue scored twice and Romain Ntamack added a try to regain the lead.

With Exeter awarded a late penalty, they aimed for the posts, but Henry Slade’s 40-metre effort just missed the target, meaning Exeter had to settle for a losing bonus point ^[1]. Toulouse’s victory was sealed after Exeter’s Ben Hammersley was sin-binned, allowing the hosts to hold on in a tense finish.

The result marks a disappointing day for Premiership clubs, with Bath also losing, while Connacht secured a seven-try win over Saracens ^[1]. The match was officiated by Scottish referee Hollie Davidson, with assistant referees Rob McDowell and Finlay Brown, and TMO Dave Sutherland. The story was first reported by BBC News.