Champions Cup classic: Toulouse hosts beat Exeter Chiefs 43-40 despite early red card
Fast start, early dismissal
Exeter took the lead in the second minute through Wimbush, but Toulouse responded with a try by Ange Capuozzo and a penalty try. The penalty try also led to Exeter full-back Sam Harris being sent to the sin-bin.
Neti was dismissed in the 16th minute with Toulouse ahead 12-7, after making shoulder-to-head contact in a tackle on Ross Vintcent. Toulouse then had Thomas yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on, leaving Exeter with two more players on the field.
Exeter fight back
Jack Yeandle scored for Exeter, and Stephen Varney crossed under the posts. Wimbush later claimed his third try, helping Exeter stay in a match that continued to swing between the teams.
After the break, the lead changed hands several times. Exeter’s Ben Hammersley went to the sin-bin, and Toulouse took advantage to move ahead.
Toulouse hold on
Matias Remue scored twice, while Brennan and Romain Ntamack also crossed for Toulouse. Ntamack added three conversions as the hosts established a three-point lead. Slade converted five of Exeter’s six tries. He had a chance to level the score with a penalty from about 40 metres in the final moments, but missed, leaving Toulouse with a 43-40 win.
Key points
- Toulouse defeated Exeter Chiefs 43-40 in the Champions Cup.
- Toulouse prop Neti was sent off in the 16th minute.
- The lead changed hands several times after the break.
- Henry Slade missed a late penalty that could have forced a draw.