Exeter stun Bath with late comeback to reach Premiership final

Exeter Chiefs produced one of the great Premiership play-off comebacks to defeat Bath 27-26 at The Recreation Ground and book their place in the final at Twickenham. The victory, snatched from a seemingly hopeless position, was a testament to the resilience that has long defined the West Country side and ended Bath's hopes in front of their own supporters.

Bath had appeared to be cruising, racing into a 26-10 lead by half-time through tries from Beno Obano, Thomas du Toit, Joe Cokanasiga and Henry Arundell. The home side's attack was fluent and their forwards dominant, and at the interval few would have predicted anything other than a comfortable progression to the final.

But the second half told an entirely different story. The visitors were overwhelmed early on but regrouped, and as the contest wore on it was Exeter's pack that took control, gradually turning the screw on a Bath side that found themselves unable to halt the momentum shifting against them.

Burger seals the turnaround

Christ Tshiunza, Ben Hammersley and Greg Fisilau kept the Chiefs in touch as the second-half fightback gathered pace, each score chipping away at what had looked an insurmountable deficit. With Exeter's forwards securing a steady supply of possession and territory, the comeback began to feel inevitable rather than merely possible.

Replacement Ethan Burger crossed on 68 minutes to give Exeter their first lead of the afternoon, completing a recovery from 16 points down. Bath had a final opportunity in the closing seconds but could not force the ball over the line, with some questioning their decision not to attempt a drop goal that might have settled the contest in their favour.

“I was confident that we would win the game. I knew we had time in the second half. I know we are resilient and I know we are fit.”

— Rob Baxter, Exeter Chiefs head coach

Baxter's faith in his side's fitness and character proved well founded. The Chiefs' ability to sustain pressure through the final quarter, when matches of this intensity are often won and lost, ultimately made the difference against opponents who had expended much energy building their early lead.

A game of two halves

• Exeter recovered from 16 points down to win 27-26
• Bath led 26-10 at half-time through four first-half tries
• Christ Tshiunza, Ben Hammersley and Greg Fisilau scored for Exeter
• Ethan Burger's 68th-minute try gave Exeter the lead
• Bath could not force a late score to win it
• Exeter will meet Northampton Saints in the final

The contrast between the two halves was stark. Bath's first-half display had been close to faultless, yet rugby's momentum can swing dramatically, and Exeter's refusal to accept defeat turned the match on its head. For the home side, it was a chastening reminder that no lead is safe against a team with belief and a strong finish.

Background

Exeter Chiefs have been one of the most successful English clubs of the modern era under Rob Baxter, built on a powerful pack and a culture of relentless physicality. Their pedigree in the latter stages of major competitions made them dangerous opponents even when trailing, and this comeback added another chapter to that reputation.

Bath, by contrast, were chasing a third successive final and had enjoyed an impressive campaign, marking themselves out as one of the form sides of the season. The manner of this defeat, having held such a commanding position, will be especially painful and may prompt searching questions about their game management in the closing stages.

What happens next

The result ended Bath's pursuit of a third successive final and sends Exeter to Allianz Stadium on Saturday 20 June to meet Northampton Saints for the title. The Chiefs will travel to Twickenham full of confidence after such a dramatic recovery, while Northampton, known for their expansive and ambitious style, present a very different challenge. The final promises an intriguing clash of contrasting approaches, with Exeter's resilience set against the attacking flair of the Saints.