Harlequins Comeback Win Harms Exeter’s Playoff Hopes

Harlequins overturned a 17-point deficit to defeat Exeter 34-0 in the second half at the Twickenham Stoop, denting the Chiefs’ playoff hopes while boosting their own chances for European rugby.

Exeter had built a 24-7 lead after 30 minutes and secured a bonus point, but their forwards showed fatigue after a six-day turnaround following a crucial win over Bath. The Chiefs remain fourth in the Premiership but missed an opportunity to create significant distance from the chasing pack.

“We’ve had a couple of short turnarounds recently,” said Rob Baxter, Exeter’s director of rugby. “A short turnaround after playing Bath is probably the toughest thing to do, after you put in a big emotional, physical performance. I thought we paid the price today.”

Replacement Boris Wenger intercepted a forced pass as Exeter attempted to run the ball from their 22 with the clock in the red, running to the posts for Harlequins’ sixth try and sparking euphoria in the stadium.

Another replacement, Will Evans, sealed the win with a try out wide after Alex Dombrandt and Chandler Cunningham-South, outstanding in the back row, scattered the defense with five minutes remaining.

Marcus Smith’s rare penalty put Harlequins ahead for the first time with 10 minutes to play, setting the stage for the late surge.

Harlequins’ lineup included Jamie Benson at full-back, Marcus Smith at fly-half, and Alex Dombrandt captaining the back row alongside Chandler Cunningham-South and Jack Kenningham.

Tries were scored by Jack Kenningham, Luke Northmore, Cadan Murley, Will Porter, Will Evans, and Boris Wenger. Marcus Smith converted three and added a penalty.

Exeter fielded Woodburn at full-back, with Brown-Bampoe, Slade, Ikitau, and Ridl in the backs, and a pack including Hooper, Tshiunza, and Vintcent in the back row.

Exeter’s tries were scored by Campbell Ridl, Stephen Varney, Max Norey, and Len Ikitau, with Henry Slade converting two. Replacement Tchumbadze received a yellow card in the 72nd minute.

The match lacked typical intensity, with both defenses struggling. The loose, open play suited Harlequins’ style.

Ikitau’s try in the first half came after he picked a killer line to go through Jamie Benson, who was playing out of position at full-back.

Paul Brown-Bampoe similarly trampled over Benson on the way to Varney’s try in the 10th minute.

Benson had a torrid time defensively, but he was not alone; neither side’s tackling was solid in a game that lacked the bite expected at this stage of the season.

In another match, Henry Arundell scored four tries as Bath tightened their grip on second place with a dominant 69-12 home victory over Newcastle.

Bath closed to within four points of leaders Northampton, pulling six points clear of third-placed Leicester.

Arundell crossed twice as Bath raced to a 31-0 halftime lead; Santiago Carreras was among six try-scorers after the break.

Newcastle’s only response came from Alex Hearle’s brace, but the heavy defeat offered little comfort. Campbell Ridl had opened the scoring for Exeter in the seventh minute, with Stephen Varney following quickly before Jack Kenningham scored Harlequins’ first. Max Norey finished smartly for Exeter, and Ikitau’s try secured the bonus point.

Saracens defeated Gloucester 30-14 at the StoneX Stadium, with Rotimi Segun’s early tries easing them to a fourth straight win. The victory put Saracens back in playoff contention, four points behind Exeter.