Exeter Chiefs 17 Bordeaux 69

This has been a gruelling season for Exeter with budgets squeezed and key injuries mounting but even so, they were quite simply ripped to shreds at home by an impressive Bordeaux-Bègles side in what felt like a total mismatch, which left their long-term director of rugby Rob Baxter admitting that he “100 per cent” was feeling the pressure.

This is now 12 defeats in 13 games in the Premiership and Champions Cup for Exeter this season. This was their heaviest ever defeat in Europe and also the most points they have conceded since their arrival in the top flight back in 2010. “Young and naive” was how Rob Baxter described their backline and he was right, but you could pick on any number of flaws, including the way Exeter’s scrum fell apart in the opening minutes. “Our line-out murdered us,” he added.

“The reality is that I’m a professional sport coach and we’ve just been well beaten in a competition that we’ve qualified for,” Baxter responded when asked if this result increased the pressure on him. “It might not be the competition that we probably need or want to be in at this stage, given where we are as a team, but we are and we need to do better than that.”

From an England perspective, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is still scheduled to have an operation next week, having mulled over whether to try and rehab his dislocated shoulder in order to play some part in the Six Nations. “The operation is still the most likely outcome,” Baxter added of his wing, which would mean a 10 to 12 week recovery time and rule Feyi-Waboso out of the tournament.

The good news for Exeter on the field was that Louis Bielle-Biarrey started the game on the bench. That might seem cruel but Bordeaux-Bègles are flying in the Top 14 and in Europe, with they dynamic backline time and again finding ways to open Exeter up. Maxime Lucu, the scrum-half who deputised for Antoine Dupont during last year’s Six Nations, was outstanding and deservedly named player of the match, linking together a backline full of threats.

Which was why the opening try came as such a surprise. Paul Brown-Bampoe is raw but has huge promise, having spent recent weeks on loan with Plymouth Albion. Recalled to the Chiefs he was now facing one of the best sides in Europe and took his try exceptionally well, counter-attacking from deep in his own 22 and having the pace to beat a chasing Romain Buros to the line.

Even though Brown-Bampoe later added a second and Ben Hammersley also found the line, that first score truly was as good as it got. They had no answers for UBB’s power up front or the guile and craft of their backs. Having to contain Bielle-Biarrey was hard enough but Damian Penaud as well? Bielle-Biarrey finished with two tries and Penaud had a hat-trick, even gifting another score away to his fly-half Matthieu Jalibert in the clearest sign of Bordeaux-Bègles’s utter dominance. “It was a bit of a stuffing, wasn’t it,” Baxter added. He was not wrong. The truth is Exeter played far better in another recent big defeat against Toulouse. Here they just looked adrift.

“No one likes to have a load of points stuffed up your shirt. That’s the reality. You have to get on with things, turn up at the next day’s training, suck it up and get on with things,” Baxter added.

“I am not sitting here and trying to make light of it. We have got a lot of hard work to do, and we are going to get on with it. This is a collective thing. They [Toulouse and Bordeaux] are a class above any other team we have played. We probably performed better against Toulouse — we held our basics together better. Bordeaux were fantastic at capitalising on every opportunity they had.”

It was notable this week when Exeter Rugby Group PLC published their accounts that their loss before tax for the last financial year had dropped from £4.5 million to just over £420,000. Part of that is down to the sale of some shares in the hotel, but overall, belts have been tightened. Sadly, the signs are there on the field. Even if Exeter were underdogs, to concede 69 points at home after the recent high of that win over Gloucester makes for grim reading.

Match details

Scoring sequence: 5-0 Brown-Bampoe try, 5-5 Lucu try, 5-7 Jalibert con, 5-12 Penaud try, 5-14 Jalibert con, 5-19 Lucu try, 5-21 Jalibert con, 5-26 Bielle-Biarrey try, 5-31 Lamothe try, 5-36 Penaud try, 10-36 Brown-Bampoe try, 12-36 Slade con, 12-41 Cazeaux try, 12-43 Jalibert con, 12-48 Bielle-Biarrey try, 12-50 Jalibert con, 12-55 Jalibert try, 12-57 Jalibert con, 12-62 Lesgourgues try, 17-62 Hammersley try, 17-67 Penaud try, 17-69 Jalibert con.

Exeter Chiefs: T Wyatt; B Hammersey, Z Wimbush (W Rigg 68), T Tua (W Haydon-Wood 55), P Brown-Bampoe; H Slade, S Townsend (T Cairns 55); S Sio (W Goodrick-Clarke 49), D Frost (M Norey 49), J Iosefa-Scott (J Roots 49), D Jenkins, F Molina (C Tshiunza 49), E Roots, J Vermeulen, G Fisilau.

Bordeaux-Bègles: R Buros (L Bielle-Biarrey 26); D Penaud, Y Moefana, R Janse van Rensburg, P Uberti; M Jalibert, M Lucu (Y Lesgourgues 64); U Boniface (J Poirot 47), M Lamothe (R Latterarde 55), C Sadie (T Taufa 55), G Petti (A Ricard 55), C Cazeaux, L Swinton (B Vergnes-Taillefer 60), T Matiu, T Tatafu (M Gazzotti 47).

Red card: Taufa 68.

Referee: B Whitehouse (Wal).

Attendance: 10,234.

05:31 PM GMT

Dominant victory for Bordeaux

05:26 PM GMT

Happy Bordeaux

05:25 PM GMT

Up next

Exeter’s final Champions Cup group stage game comes away at Ulster next Friday. They are still without a point and qualification for the knockout stages looks unlikely. Bordeaux host Sharks a week tomorrow looking to make it four wins out of four.

05:17 PM GMT

Champions Cup fixtures and results this weekend

Friday:

Glasgow 29-19 Racing (Pool 4)

Today: 

Stormers 40-0 Sale FT (Pool 4)

Exeter 17-69 Bordeaux FT (Pool 1)

Sharks 8-20 Toulouse FT (Pool 1)

Munster vs Saracens 5.30pm (Pool 3)

Stade Francais vs Northampton 5.30pm (Pool 3)

Leicester vs Ulster 8pm (Pool 1)

Castres vs Bulls 8pm (Pool 3)

Sunday:

Toulon vs Harlequins 1pm (Pool 4)

Bristol vs Benetton 3.15pm (Pool 2)

La Rochelle vs Leinster 3.15pm (Pool 2)

Bath vs Clermont 5.30pm (Pool 2)

05:13 PM GMT

The thoughts of man of the match Maxime Lucu

05:11 PM GMT

Full time

The ball goes into touch and that is it at Sandy Park. Bordeaux have thumped Exeter and make it three wins from three in this season’s Champions Cup with maximum points. Nothing for Exeter. Dominant, dominant win for the visitors, who will absolutely be in the hunt for this trophy and they have already booked their place in the knockout stages with a game to spare.

05:10 PM GMT

80 mins: Exeter 17 Bordeaux 69

Exeter are trying to get their bonus-point try and have possession inside the Bordeaux 22 as the clock heads into the red.

05:07 PM GMT

TRY! Penaud secures his hat-trick

Bordeaux have a scrum near the Exeter 22 and they send it wide. A long, looping pass out to the right wing from Jalibert finds Penaud, who has so much space. He cuts inside Wyatt far too easily and goes over. Jalibert lands the conversion and Bordeaux’s lead once more passes the 50-point mark. This has been a very one-sided match. The top side currently top of the Top 14 dominating the side second bottom in the Premiership. It is perhaps not that much of a surprise considering the disparity in salary cap spend between these sides.

04:59 PM GMT

TRY! Hammersley over in the corner

They are going to be on the receiving end of a hammering but they have their third try. Slade sends a long pass out to the left wing, where Hammersley cuts inside and goes over despite Bielle-Biarrey’s tackle. Slade misses the conversion to the left. Exeter, now playing against 14 men for the rest of this match, are one try away from a bonus point.

04:57 PM GMT

69 mins: Exeter 12 Bordeaux 62

Taufa definitely makes contact with the head but there is a late change of direction. That will not save Taufa though as he is shown a red card as it is deemed there was no mitigation. That does feel slightly harsh, maybe yellow would have sufficed but a red card is what Taufa receives.

04:56 PM GMT

68 mins: Exeter 12 Bordeaux 62

We are heading for a TMO review for a high tackle from Taufa on Hammersley.

04:53 PM GMT

TRY! Bordeaux running riot

This is getting very, very ugly as Bordeaux run in their 11th try of the match. Van Rensburg breaks through a tackle on halfway and moves towards the Exeter 22. He has Lesgourgues outside him and gives the replacement a simple finish. The conversion is missed but Bordeaux’s advantage is now 50.

04:50 PM GMT

TRY! Jalibert scores after interception from Penaud

Bordeaux are playing with Exeter and having a lot of fun. Exeter make good ground towards the Bordeaux 22 but Penaud intercepts the pass. He has a simple run-in but decides instead to fling a pass inside to Jalibert to score. Another simple conversion and Bordeaux’s lead passes 40 points.

04:49 PM GMT

TRY! Bielle-Biarrey finishes sensational Bordeaux move

Quick-thinking and Bordeaux score a sensational try. They win a penalty inside their own half and Jalibert takes it quickly. He breaks through the Exeter defensive line after a great step and dummy. As he enters the Exeter 22, he spots Bielle-Biarrey outside him and it is a simple finish for the Bordeaux winger. The conversion is successful.

04:46 PM GMT

60 mins: Exeter 12 Bordeaux 43

Exeter enter into the Bordeaux 22 but the ball ends up in touch as Haydon-Wood’s little kick through cannot find Brown-Bampoe.

04:41 PM GMT

TRY! Cazeaux over in the corner

Petti makes the initial break into the Exeter 22 after picking up from the base of the ruck. They go through a couple of phases, getting closer to the Exeter line, and eventually it is shipped out to the right touchline, where lock Cazeaux powers over. The conversion is successful and Bordeaux lead by 31 points.

04:38 PM GMT

52 mins: Exeter 12 Bordeaux 36

Bordeaux force a turnover inside their own half and make the break. They come down their right and make good ground into the Exeter 22, but van Rensburg knocks on attempting the offload inside.

04:34 PM GMT

TRY! Brown-Bampoe over for his second score

They can take advantage of this opportunity. They win the lineout and send it out into the hands ot the backs. Slade’s offload initially goes to ground but Brown-Bampoe gathers the loose ball and goes over after brushing off a few tackles. Slade gets the conversion.

04:33 PM GMT

47 mins: Exeter 5 Bordeaux 36

Sio wins another penalty at the breakdown for Exeter and Slade once again kicks into the Bordeaux 22. They have wasted a number of opportunities like this so far. Can they take advantage of this chance?

04:31 PM GMT

TRY! Penaud scores after visitors go length of pitch

Bordeaux have their sixth try and there is a very technical reason why it is awarded. They break from their own 22 and work it out to Bielle-Biarrey on the right wing. He kicks ahead into the Exeter 22 and the ball looks like it will go into touch. The ball is still in the air as Bielle-Biarrey gets to it first to kick on. As the ball was still in the air, it does not matter that Bielle-Biarrey’s foot is in touch as he kicks it. Penaud is then on hand to dot down. I cannot remember the last time I saw an incident like that and even the referee said that “it does sound ridiculous”. Jalibert cannot land the conversion.

04:28 PM GMT

44 mins: Exeter 5 Bordeaux 31

Have Bordeaux just gone most of the length of the pitch and scored all the way from their own 22?

04:26 PM GMT

43 mins: Exeter 5 Bordeaux 31

Exeter win a penalty near the Bordeaux ten-metre line as the visitors are punished for holding on. Sio was the man to win the penalty at the breakdown for Exeter. Slade kicks into the Bordeaux 22.

Unfortunately they make the same mistake as they did in the first half on a few occasions as they lose the lineout and Bordeaux break...

04:24 PM GMT

41 mins: Exeter 5 Bordeaux 31

Some of the lights in the main grandstand have gone off so time has been stopped! Anyone get any money to put in the meter?

The referee checks with both captains and it is agreed that they will play on.

04:22 PM GMT

Second half

We are back under way at Sandy Park.

04:20 PM GMT

Get your fix

04:13 PM GMT

Champions Cup fixtures and results this weekend

Friday:

Glasgow 29-19 Racing (Pool 4)

Today: 

Stormers 40-0 Sale FT (Pool 4)

Exeter 5-31 Bordeaux HT (Pool 1)

Sharks 3-13 Toulouse HT (Pool 1)

Munster vs Saracens 5.30pm (Pool 3)

Stade Francais vs Northampton 5.30pm (Pool 3)

Leicester vs Ulster 8pm (Pool 1)

Castres vs Bulls 8pm (Pool 3)

Sunday:

Toulon vs Harlequins 1pm (Pool 4)

Bristol vs Benetton 3.15pm (Pool 2)

La Rochelle vs Leinster 3.15pm (Pool 2)

Bath vs Clermont 5.30pm (Pool 2)

04:08 PM GMT

TRY! Another score for the visitors

Bordeaux set the maul and get it rolling towards the Exeter line. The hosts cannot stop it and Lamothe just about stays in play to score at the back of the maul. The TMO confirms the try, which Jalibert cannot convert. At the break Bordeaux lead 5-31. A completely and utterly dominant half from the away side.

04:06 PM GMT

40 mins: Exeter 5 Bordeaux 26

Bordeaux win a penalty on halfway as Hammersley is punished for going off his feet. Bordeaux do not want to kick it out as they kick into the Exeter 22, hoping to add to their four tries.

04:04 PM GMT

40 mins: Exeter 5 Bordeaux 26

We will have one final scrum in this first half as the clock ticks into the red. Hammersley is back on for the hosts after his HIA.

04:01 PM GMT

TRY! Bordeaux have their bonus point

Bordeaux have a lineout inside the Exeter 22 and win a penalty, which they take quickly. Van Rensburg is sent through a gap and tackled around eight metres shy of the line. The speed of ball is rapid and they send it wide to the right, where Bielle-Biarrey cannot be stopped from going over for Bordeaux’s bonus-point try. Jalibert cannot land the conversion.

03:59 PM GMT

35 mins: Exeter 5 Bordeaux 21

Frost is in a spot of bother as he gets in a spat with Argentinian Petti. Exeter had the scrum but Frost is actually penalised for foul language that the referee is not happy about.

03:55 PM GMT

TRY! Lucu gets his second of the match

Bordeaux have their third try of the game. From inside their own half, they ship it right from the left-hand touchline all the way to the right wing. Penaud cuts inside on the halfway line and makes a nonchalant break. He has a simple two-on-one to execute and finds Lucu with ease inside him to go under the posts. The conversion is simple and Bordeaux’s lead is up to 16 points. That felt too easy for Penaud, who is such a dangerous strike runner. You cannot give him the space and time to do that as he will punish you.

03:52 PM GMT

29 mins: Exeter 5 Bordeaux 14

Exeter make great ground from halfway all the way into the Bordeaux 22 but Tua knocks on trying to offload as he was being tackled to ground. Probably too ambitious to go for that offload.

03:50 PM GMT

27 mins: Exeter 5 Bordeaux 14

Exeter will no longer have a scrum deep inside the Bordeaux 22 as Slade is penalised for a high tackle. No further punishment but Exeter’s opportunity is gone.

Buros is unable to continue so Bielle-Biarrey is on in his place. Not a bad replacement.

03:49 PM GMT

26 mins: Exeter 5 Bordeaux 14

Exeter make good ground into the Bordeaux 22 after an initial scrum on halfway that went a fair bit better than most of the previous scrums. They go through the phases as they get closer to the Bordeaux line but the visitors think they have stolen it. However they knocked on at the ruck so Exeter will have the scrum.

Play is now stopped as Buros was down for quite some time in some pain after a powerful clear-out at an earlier breakdown. He is trying to run it off.

Exeter are being forced into a HIA change as Rigg replaces Hammersley.

We are going to the TMO for a potential high tackle...

03:41 PM GMT

22 mins: Exeter 5 Bordeaux 14

Bordeaux set the maul but have to ship it out to the backs. They make a mess of it and Exeter are able to kick downfield and clear their lines.

03:41 PM GMT

21 mins: Exeter 5 Bordeaux 14

Exeter want a penalty for a challenge from Penaud on Hammersley as the latter took a kick but instead Bordeaux win a penalty of their own. The replays show Hammersley’s feet were back on the ground when contact was made and no high shot from Penaud. Bordeaux kick deep into the Exeter 22.

03:38 PM GMT

20 mins: Exeter 5 Bordeaux 14

Another penalty for Exeter in a similar position to the last one as Matiu is thrown across illegally at the lineout. Slade kicks again into the 22 and Exeter have a lineout ten metres out. But once again they waste the chance with their lineout not functioning well and they lose it, with Matiu making up for conceding the penalty by stealing the lineout.

03:36 PM GMT

17 mins: Exeter 5 Bordeaux 14

Exeter have been under pressure fro most of this match so far but they do win a penalty on the Bordeaux ten-metre line, which Slade kicks into the Bordeaux 22. However Exeter lose the lineout and the opportunity is gone.

03:34 PM GMT

TRY! Penaud extends Bordeaux’s lead

That looked far too easy for the visitors. From a scrum on halfway, Bordeaux go down the blindside. He opts not to pass and gets through the tackle far too easily. He finds Buros outside him after making the break and then the offload goes to Penaud, who goes in for the easiest of tries. Jalibert lands his conversion and Bordeaux now lead by nine points.

03:29 PM GMT

TRY! Bordeaux respond immediately

The visitors have their first try of the match. Moefana is put through a gap just inside the Exeter half and makes his way easily into the Exeter 22 with defenders scampering. He finds Lucu inside him for an easy try under the posts. The conversion is simple and Bordeaux take a deserved lead.

03:26 PM GMT

TRY! Exeter score from their own line

What a turn of events! Bordeaux fluff their lines down the blindside and Brown-Bampoe catches not much more than five metres from his own line. He hands off Moefana and runs the length of the field. It looked like he was going to tire up but the tackle could not deny him. Slade misses the conversion but Exeter will be thrilled that they lead despite being under so much pressure.

03:25 PM GMT

7 mins: Exeter 0 Bordeaux 0

Another penalty at the scrum for Bordeaux and Exeter’s captain Jenkins is given a verbal warning. Exeter are very close now to a yellow card, Sio in particular.

03:23 PM GMT

6 mins: Exeter 0 Bordeaux 0

Frost intercepts a pass after a good defensive set by the hosts but they are penalised for being offside. Bordeaux opt for another scrum around five metres out from the Exeter line. Pressure still on the home side.

03:22 PM GMT

4 mins: Exeter 0 Bordeaux 0

Exeter’s defence looks like it has forced an error from Bordeaux but the referee has spotted a knock-on from Exeter five metres out from their own line. Bordeaux scrum incoming.

03:21 PM GMT

3 mins: Exeter 0 Bordeaux 0

Bordeaux win the lineout and set the maul. They have a penalty advantage and roll towards the line. It looks certain that they will score but the ball has been dropped just shy of the line, courtesy of a lengthy TMO review. Bordeaux take a quick tap.

03:18 PM GMT

2 mins: Exeter 0 Bordeaux 0

Bordeaux have the first scrum of the match just outside the Exeter 22 and immediately win a penalty. No thought of going for three, they kick to the corner.

03:15 PM GMT

Kick-off

We are under way at Sandy Park. Zero points from two games in this competition hosting a side with maximum points. A huge task facing Exeter.

03:14 PM GMT

Kick-off fast approaching

Both sides emerge from the tunnel at Sandy Park and we are ready for action.

03:10 PM GMT

Reminder of the teams

Exeter starting XV: 15. Tommy Wyatt 14. Ben Hammersley 13. Zack Wimbush 12. Tamati Tua 11. Paul Brown-Bampoe 10. Henry Slade 9. Stu Townsend 1. Scott Sio 2. Dan Frost 3. Josh Iosefa-Scott 4. Dafydd Jenkins (c) 5. Franco Molina 6. Ethan Roots 7. Jacques Vermeulen 8. Greg Fisilau.

Replacements: 16. Max Norey 17. Will Goodrick-Clarke 18. Jimmy Roots 19. Rusi Tuima 20. Christ Tshiunza 21. Tom Cairns 22. Will Haydon-Wood 23. Will Rigg.

Bordeaux Begles starting XV: 15. Romain Buros, 14. Damian Penaud, 13. Yoram Moefana, 12. Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11. Pablo Uberti, 10. Matthieu Jalibert, 9. Maxime Lucu, 1. Ugo Boniface, 2. Maxime Lamothe, 3. Carlü Sadie, 4. Guido Petti, 5. Cyril Cazeaux, 6. Lachie Swinton, 7. Temo Matiu, 8. Tevita Tatafu.

Replacements: 16. Romain Latterrade, 17. Jefferson Poirot, 18. Toma Taufa, 19. Alexandre Ricard, 20. Marko Gazzotti, 21. Bastien Vergnes-Taillefer, 22. Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 23. Yann Lesgourgues.

03:06 PM GMT

Preparations ramping up

03:04 PM GMT

Champions Cup fixtures and results this weekend

Friday:

Glasgow 29-19 Racing (Pool 4)

Today: 

Stormers 40-0 Sale FT (Pool 4)

Exeter vs Bordeaux 3.15pm (Pool 1)

Sharks vs Toulouse 3.15pm (Pool 1)

Munster vs Saracens 5.30pm (Pool 3)

Stade Francais vs Northampton 5.30pm (Pool 3)

Leicester vs Ulster 8pm (Pool 1)

Castres vs Bulls 8pm (Pool 3)

Sunday:

Toulon vs Harlequins 1pm (Pool 4)

Bristol vs Benetton 3.15pm (Pool 2)

La Rochelle vs Leinster 3.15pm (Pool 2)

Bath vs Clermont 5.30pm (Pool 2)

02:57 PM GMT

Bordeaux fan meets Lawrence Dallaglio

02:55 PM GMT

Coin toss

02:51 PM GMT

Away side preparing

02:45 PM GMT

Travelling Bordeaux support

02:39 PM GMT

Baxter: Feyi-Waboso recovery delayed by England deal

Ben Coles has the full story.

02:35 PM GMT

Visitors in the house

02:32 PM GMT

Hosts arriving

02:26 PM GMT

Team news

Exeter make two changes from their defeat at Leicester Tigers last weekend. Josh Iosefa-Scott comes into the starting front row whilst Paul Brown-Bampoe comes onto the wing with Olly Woodburn ruled out with a long-term injury.

Exeter starting XV: 15. Tommy Wyatt 14. Ben Hammersley 13. Zack Wimbush 12. Tamati Tua 11. Paul Brown-Bampoe 10. Henry Slade 9. Stu Townsend 1. Scott Sio 2. Dan Frost 3. Josh Iosefa-Scott 4. Dafydd Jenkins (c) 5. Franco Molina 6. Ethan Roots 7. Jacques Vermeulen 8. Greg Fisilau.

Replacements: 16. Max Norey 17. Will Goodrick-Clarke 18. Jimmy Roots 19. Rusi Tuima 20. Christ Tshiunza 21. Tom Cairns 22. Will Haydon-Wood 23. Will Rigg.

Bordeaux have a number of French internationals named in their starting XV, including Damian Penaud, Yoram Moefana and Matthieu Jalibert. In total they make 10 changes from their dominant win over Stade Francais in the Top 14 last weekend. Former Sale centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg starts at 12.

Bordeaux Begles starting XV: 15. Romain Buros, 14. Damian Penaud, 13. Yoram Moefana, 12. Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11. Pablo Uberti, 10. Matthieu Jalibert, 9. Maxime Lucu, 1. Ugo Boniface, 2. Maxime Lamothe, 3. Carlü Sadie, 4. Guido Petti, 5. Cyril Cazeaux, 6. Lachie Swinton, 7. Temo Matiu, 8. Tevita Tatafu.

Replacements: 16. Romain Latterrade, 17. Jefferson Poirot, 18. Toma Taufa, 19. Alexandre Ricard, 20. Marko Gazzotti, 21. Bastien Vergnes-Taillefer, 22. Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 23. Yann Lesgourgues.

02:22 PM GMT

Get your fix

02:14 PM GMT

Match preview

Exeter Chiefs welcome Bordeaux to Sandy Park in matchday three of the Champions Cup. Exeter, who are second bottom in the Gallagher Premiership with just one win to their name after 10 league games, have yet to claim a point in their first two games of this competition. They lost 39-12 in South Africa to the Sharks before being thumped 21-64 at home by defending champions Toulouse.

Meanwhile their opponents, Bordeaux, are currently top in the Top 14 with a three-point advantage over Toulouse through 14 league games and have won their opening two games in the Champions Cup with bonus points. They beat Leicester Tigers 42-28 at home and then won 40-19 at Ulster. Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter is aware of the challenge facing his side today.

“This weekend is a huge challenge,” said Baxter. “They are a very good side, doing incredibly well within their league and within this competition.

“So, we know it will be a challenge for us, but you get in the Champions Cup for a reason. We have always really enjoyed being in this competition, being in the big games like this – they are an important part of your development as a player, as a team and as a club.

“When you are in European competition, getting points from every encounter is pretty vital. Unfortunately, we failed to do that in our first two games so there is a bit of pressure on us now to try to achieve something.”

Exeter are set to be without Olly Woodburn and Ehren Painter for the long-term as both have suffered significant knee injuries.

“I am concerned about both Olly and Ehren,” Baxter told DevonLive. “Unfortunately they are not just straightforward ACLs, nice and clean. Both of them involve other things, either other ligaments or cartilage and bits and pieces. So they are both not straightforward. Ehren’s is worse. He has got a fair bit of cartilage damage in there. He is going to be in a multiple operation situation and any big operation can cause issues down the line.

“The one thing I will say is that I think Olly is particularly diligent in how he looks at his body. He has had a couple of very, very good years for us. They are largely based on his day-to-day maintenance, how he has not deconditioned in off seasons, how he has been very good through each preseason over the last two or three seasons. So there is not necessarily an indicator other than his age, that it becomes a major issue.”

Woodburn and Painter join Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on the sidelines with the England winger recovering from a dislocated shoulder. Kick-off at Sandy Park is at 3.15pm.