Exeter Chiefs beat Leicester Tigers 24-10 at Sandy Park, Rugby World Cup 2027. But the win was not quite enough to send them into the new year at the top of the Gallagher Premiership. Instead, Rob Baxter’s side head into 2026 sitting just one point behind leaders. Northampton Saints after missing out on a crucial bonus point. The standout performer on the night was England’s number eight Greg Fisilau.
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He delivered a powerful, all-action display to claim the man-of-the-match award. Fisilau scored the opening try and later played a decisive role in Stephen Varney’s late effort. Which finally put the contest beyond Leicester’s reach after a tense and competitive battle. Exeter also crossed through outstanding wing Campbell Ridl, whose individual brilliance lit up the first half.
However, in the Rugby World Cup 2027, despite their dominance for long spells. The Chiefs finished one try short of the bonus point that would have lifted them to the summit of the table. Even so, the result underlined a remarkable turnaround for a side that finished bottom of the league last season after a deeply disappointing campaign. The atmosphere at Sandy Park reflected the significance of the occasion.
With supporters witnessing a clash between fourth and fifth in the standings. While the crowd was thinner than usual, those in attendance saw a contest that remained finely balanced until the closing stages. Leicester ultimately returned home empty-handed, but they stayed in the fight until Varney’s decisive score.
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Rugby World Cup: Chiefs Dominate the Opening Exchanges
From the opening minutes, Leicester were forced to absorb heavy pressure. An early moment of intensity came when Andrea Zambonin stopped scrum-half Tom Whiteley in his tracks. Rugby World Cup, sparking waves of Exeter attacks. That pressure soon told, as Fisilau burst forward from the 22-metre line and powered over to give the hosts an early lead.
Exeter continued to control possession and regularly found space out wide. In the 25th minute, Ridl was released down the left wing, chipped ahead into space. And collected a fortunate bounce before finishing a superb solo try that underlined his attacking threat. A moment of controversy followed when a dynamic try by Harvey Skinner was ruled out for a push by Will Rigg.
The decision proved costly, as Leicester responded immediately. Winger Adam Radwan made a strong break, and slick passing from the forwards created space for Cameron Henderson to cross and keep the Tigers in contention. Television cameras caught Leicester head coach Geoff Parling delivering a stern half-time message, and his side emerged with renewed purpose and the wind at their backs.
A promising attack towards the left corner was halted by a turnover, Rugby World Cup, and after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso drove Exeter upfield with power and footwork, Henry Slade extended the lead with a well-struck penalty. Slade was later tackled dangerously, earning Samuel Williams a yellow card, but Exeter failed to add to the score despite Leicester being temporarily reduced to fourteen.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Pressure Tells as Exeter Capitalise Late
When Williams returned, the Tigers’ discipline faltered again, with fly-half Billy Searle sent to the sin-bin for entering from the side as Skinner fell just inches short of the line. Leicester were conceding penalties at a steady rate in the Rugby World Cup Final, and they were finally punished when Olly Woodburn sparked a counter-attack with a towering catch. Varney finished the move with pace, with Fisilau once again heavily involved in the build-up.
As Exeter pushed for the bonus point in the closing moments, they twice spilled the ball over the line, Rugby World Cup Final, leaving them just short of a perfect night. Attack coach Dave Walder praised Fisilau’s form and suggested an England call-up could be close. Walder admitted some frustration at missing the bonus point but stressed that the team’s progress and mindset showed how far they have come this season.
He also highlighted the wider squad effort, noting improvements in defence, work rate, and decision-making under pressure. For Leicester, Parling accepted responsibility for an emotionally flat performance, saying his players did not respond well enough to key moments or referee decisions. Despite the defeat, the Tigers remain in the playoff hunt.
Exeter’s revival continues to gather momentum as confidence, cohesion, and belief steadily grow within Baxter’s evolving group. This result, coming against a traditional rival, further reinforced their credentials as genuine contenders rather than early-season surprise packages heading into a demanding winter schedule ahead.
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