Euro win delights Slade

By Mark Stevens
23/10/17

Henry Slade could not hide his delight as Exeter Chiefs made it back-to-back victories in this season’s European Champions Cup with victory over Montpellier at the Altrad Stadium.

The England international helped play a key role as Rob Baxter’s side secured a 27-24 victory, courtesy of tries from Don Armand (2) and Ian Whitten, plus 12 points from the boot of fly-half Gareth Steenson.

In another bruising encounter for the English champions, they had to come from behind to sink the star-studded French outfit, who themselves picked up two points thanks to a brace of tries from former Chiefs winger Nemani Nadolo and further touchdowns from Joe Tomane and Benoit Paillague, who also slotted two conversions for the home side.

The Chiefs, though, were not to be denied and having collected victory in round one against previously unbeaten Glasgow Warriors, the Devonians have been given a perfect launchpad from which to attack Europe this season.

Next up, however, are Leinster - who they will face in back-to-back games in December - and who have started their own campaign with maximum reward against both Montpellier and Glasgow to lead the Chiefs by two points at the summit of the table.

“It’s definitely up there in terms of one of our biggest results in Europe,” said Slade at the final whistle. “It was a big effort from us, they threw everything at us and they are a top, top side. They have some big lads, especially in the backs, and it took a lot out of us, but it’s great to come away with the win.”

Heeding the words of Baxter ahead of the start of the campaign - in which he wanted his side to really attack Europe this season - the Chiefs have certainly done that in their opening two fixtures, claiming notable scalps along the way.

“Last year we didn’t really start well in Europe and we came away to France and got blown away [at Clermont],” added Slade. “This year it’s different, we came here to win and we’ve done that.

“Away wins in Europe are massive and it’s put us in a great position going forward. Obviously, we’ve got Leinster back-to-back now, so it’s very exciting, but we’ve got a lot of work to do before then.”

Indeed, the Chiefs have just five days between games this week and it will be a case of recovering swiftly for Friday night’s trip to Sale Sharks in the Aviva Premiership.