The cream has been rising to the top in the Champions Cup across Europe this weekend and here was a spectacular West Country rugby spread to complement it. Exeter have seen off several big-name visitors to Devon over the years but on a cool, breezy teatime they surpassed all expectations to set up a tasty semi-final against either La Rochelle or Saracens.
With the possible exception of their memorable home semi-final win over Toulouse three years ago this was as resounding a result as the Chiefs have managed since they were promoted to the Premiership back in 2010. They may or may not go on to lift the title for the second time in four seasons but in terms of tempo, purpose and defensive appetite they were outstanding.
