Gloucester Rugby delivered a masterclass in attacking prowess as they ruthlessly dismantled Exeter Chiefs with a staggering 13-try display, securing a historic 79-17 win at Kingsholm.
The Cherry and Whites showcased their offensive firepower, with nine different players finding the try line, including an impressive hat-trick from Jack Singleton and a brace from Seb Atkinson. Notably, this performance marked Gloucester’s highest points tally in Premiership history, underscoring their relentless offensive onslaught. Conversely, Exeter Chiefs endured a humbling defeat, conceding their highest points total in a disheartening setback for the struggling club.
Despite the missed conversion kicks, Gloucester’s scintillating victory propels them into contention for the playoffs, trailing just one point behind fourth-placed Bristol Bears with three rounds remaining in the season.
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While the home side’s backline dazzled with their attacking flair, the foundation of Gloucester’s triumph lay in their exceptional execution of fundamental skills and a dominant display in the maul. From the early stages of the match, Gloucester imposed their superiority, laying the groundwork for their commanding performance.
The relentless pressure applied by Gloucester saw them capitalizing on their attacking opportunities, with early scores from Jack Clement and Seb Blake setting the tone for their dominance. Exeter Chiefs found themselves struggling to contain Gloucester’s expansive running game, leading to a bonus-point secured within the opening quarter, exemplifying the one-sided nature of the contest.
Despite brief glimpses of resistance from Exeter, Gloucester’s unyielding momentum persisted, with the likes of Gareth Anscombe and Lewis Ludlow extending their side’s lead, further compounding Exeter’s misery. The first half culminated in a relentless onslaught from Gloucester, culminating in a comprehensive lead as Tomos Williams crossed the try line, leaving Exeter reeling from the onslaught.
The second half mirrored the first, as Gloucester continued to dominate proceedings, with Jamal Ford-Robinson and Christian Wade further bolstering their side’s lead. As the match approached its conclusion, Gloucester’s relentless pursuit of victory saw Seb Atkinson and Jack Singleton adding to their try-scoring exploits, leaving Exeter Chiefs demoralized by the emphatic margin of defeat.
Gloucester Rugby’s emphatic triumph serves as a statement of intent, solidifying their credentials as contenders in the Premiership and leaving a formidable impression on their rivals.
Gloucester Rugby: 15 Santi Carreras, 14 Christian Wade, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Jake Morris, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Tomos Williams, 1 Val Rapava Ruskin, 2 Seb Blake, 3 Afo Fasogbon, 4 Arthur Clark, 5 Freddie Thomas, 6 Jack Clement, 7 Lewis Ludlow (C), 8 Ruan Ackermann
Replacements: 16 Jack Singleton, 17 Jamal Ford-Robinson, 18 Kirill Gotovtsev, 19 Cam Jordan, 20 Freddie Clarke, 21 Caolan Englefield, 22 Charlie Atkinson, 23 Jack Cotgreave
Exeter Chiefs: 15 Josh Hodge, 14 Ben Hammersley, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Joe Hawkins, 11 Paul Brown-Bampoe, 10 Harvey Skinner, 9 Niall Armstrong, 1 Scott Sio, 2 Jack Yeandle, 3 Marcus Street, 4 Rusi Tuima, 5 Dafydd Jenkins (c), 6 Ethan Roots, 7 Ross Vintcent, 8 Greg Fisilau
Replacements: 16 Max Norey, 17 Kwenzo Blose, 18 Josh Iosefa-Scott, 19 Richard Capstick, 20 Jacques Vermeulen, 21 Stu Townsend, 22 Will Haydon-Wood, 23 Will Rigg
Referee: Karl Dickson
Assistant Referees: Luke Pearce and Calum Howard
TMO: Dean Richards