Exeter dominate Stormers to reach Champions Cup semi-finals

The cream has been rising to the top in the Champions Cup across Europe this weekend and here was a spectacular west country rugby spread to complement it. Exeter have seen off several big name visitors to Devon over the years but on a cool, breezy tea time they surpassed all expectations to set up a tasty semi-final against either La Rochelle or Saracens.

With the possible exception of their memorable home semi-final win over Toulouse three years ago, this was as remarkable a result as any the Chiefs have pulled off since they first made it into the Premiership back in 2010. They may or may not go on to win this tournament for the second time in four seasons but their rebuilding operation is already looking well ahead of schedule.

For the first 45 minutes the Stormers were in danger of being completely blown away as four stunning tries from Tom Wyatt, Jack Nowell, Olly Woodburn and Sam Simmonds gave the hosts an uncatchable 28-0 lead. The South African side did stage a second-half comeback of sorts but when it came to smart tactical options, sure execution under pressure and sheer pulsating desire they were no match for their inspired opponents.

The upshot was one of the great rugby occasions, sealed with two further late tries from their faithful replacement hooker Jack Yeandle and young scrum-half Tom Cairns. It also totally confounded the pre-game forecasts that the visitors’ all-Springbok front row would prove too strong. There was also the small matter of whether the Chiefs could possibly have recharged all their batteries following their marathon extra-time thriller against Montpellier just six days previously. The spirit is always willing in Exeter but their stamina had been sorely tested.

On the other hand,