HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

Exeter Chiefs Crush Northampton in Premiership Cup Semi

BBC Sport •
×

Josh Hodge's double try performance powered Exeter Chiefs to a 31-14 victory over Northampton Saints in the Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final at Sandy Park. The Chiefs dominated possession and territory, scoring four tries to secure their place in next weekend's final.

Hodge opened the scoring after a brilliant sidestep from Tom Cairns, then added his second following a perfectly timed offload from Campbell Ridl. Zack Wimbush also crossed before halftime, while Greg Fisilau added a third in the second half. Northampton's only responses came through Tom Litchfield and Charlie Ulcoq, with the Saints losing George Hendy to a knee injury.

Exeter's forwards controlled the scrum battle, creating the platform for their backs to exploit space. The Chiefs' defensive organization stifled Northampton's attacking threats, with the visitors unable to build any sustained pressure. This victory sets up a final against either Leicester Tigers or Bath, with the venue depending on Sunday's other semi-final result.