Exeter Chiefs progressed to the quarter-finals of the European Cup courtesy of scoring more tries in a clash with Montpellier which finished 33-33 after extra time; Saracens overcame Ospreys to go through too, while Toulouse were convincing winners over the Bulls
Last Updated: 02/04/23 7:22pm
Tom Cairns celebrates as Exeter triumphed over Montpellier in a dramatic Heineken Champions Cup clash
We round up Sunday’s round of 16 action in the Heineken Champions Cup, which saw Exeter Chiefs, Saracens and Toulouse secure the last quarter-final spots…
Exeter Chiefs 33-33 Montpellier (Exeter win 5-4 on try countback)
Exeter reached the Champions Cup quarter-finals on try count after extra-time following a dramatic draw with Montpellier at Sandy Park.
Hooker Jack Yeandle’s try in the final seconds of 20 minutes’ added time put Exeter within striking distance, then Joe Simmonds’ nerveless conversion meant the Chiefs progressed 5-4 on tries.
French champions Montpellier, despite having their England international No 8 Zach Mercer sent off following a high challenge 10 minutes after half-time, dug deep to almost turn a pulsating clash their way.
Fly-half Paolo Garbisi levelled the game at 26-26 through a long-range penalty with the final kick of normal time, then Montpellier replacement Louis Carbonel touched down midway through the second period in extra-time, and Garbisi converted, but Yeandle and Simmonds had the final say.
Exeter looked well set after tries from Scott Sio, S …