Exeter Chiefs produced a stunning second-half performance to defeat Bath 27-26, securing their place in the Gallagher Premiership final. The thrilling victory saw the Chiefs overcome a substantial 16-point deficit at half-time, scoring 17 unanswered points after the break to deny Bath a third successive final appearance and their ambition of winning back-to-back titles.
The match, played in front of a fervent crowd, saw Bath dominate the opening 40 minutes. Tries from Beno Obano, Thomas du Toit, Joe Cokanasiga, and Henry Arundell, along with three conversions from Santi Carreras, put the home side in a commanding 26-10 lead at the interval. Exeter’s early endeavour saw a try disallowed for a forward pass, and a yellow card for Henry Slade further compounded their first-half struggles, allowing Bath to capitalise on their numerical advantage.
However, the Chiefs emerged revitalised in the second half, demonstrating remarkable resilience and tactical acumen. Touchdowns from Christ Tshiunza, Ben Hammersley, Greg Fisilau, and a crucial 68th-minute clincher from Ethan Burger turned the tide. Henry Slade added two conversions, and Harvey Skinner contributed a penalty, chipping away at Bath’s lead with relentless pressure. The momentum shift was palpable, and Bath, despite a late surge including 40 phases of play in the frantic finale, could not find the winning score, with replacement prop Billy Sela held up over the line.
This dramatic turnaround means Exeter Chiefs will now face Northampton Saints in the Gallagher Premiership final next Saturday at Allianz Stadium. Bath, meanwhile, will reflect on a missed opportunity to join an elite group of clubs – Wasps, Leicester, and Saracens – who have won successive Premiership titles since the play-offs were introduced 24 years ago.
The Chiefs' ability to remain composed under pressure, particularly in the closing stages as Bath desperately sought a winning score, underscored their determination and character. The victory is a testament to their fighting spirit and sets up a highly anticipated final against Northampton.