Heineken Champions Cup wrap: Exeter through to quarter-finals on try countback

Exeter reached the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals on try count after extra-time following a dramatic 33-33 draw with Montpellier at Sandy Park.

Hooker Jack Yeandle's touchdown in the final seconds of 20 minutes' added time put Exeter within striking distance, then Joe Simmonds' nerveless conversion meant Exeter progressed 5-4 on tries.

French champions Montpellier, despite having their England international number eight Zach Mercer sent off following a high challenge 10 minutes after half-time, dug deep to almost turn a pulsating clash their way.

Fly-half Paolo Garbisi levelled the game at 26-26 through a long-range penalty with the final kick of normal time, then Montpellier replacement Louis Carbonel touched down midway through the second period in extra-time, and Garbisi converted, but Yeandle and Simmonds had the final say.

Exeter looked well set after tries from Scott Sio, Sam Simmonds, who will join Montpellier next season, Tom Wyatt and Josh Iosefa-Scott left the visitors reeling, while Joe Simmonds kicked four conversions.

Exeter impressively wiped out an early 12-point deficit given to them through tries by replacement hooker Curtis Langdon and wing Vincent Rattez, while Garbisi ended with three penalties and two conversions, with lock Lenni Nouchi also touching down.

It was an outstanding effort by Exeter, especially given their early difficulties in counteracting Montpellier's physical approach.

The Chiefs will make a fourth Champions Cup quarter-final appearance - they host South African challengers the Stormers next weekend - as they continue to put erratic domestic form to one side in pursuit of a second European title.

Saracens pounced on a terrible blunder by the Ospreys to clinch a 35-20 victory at StoneX