Ospreys 25 Exeter 13
Exeter became the first English club to lose in this season’s European Champions Cup after Wales star Dan Biggar led the Ospreys’ Liberty Stadium victory march.
Seven weeks after condemning England to a costly World Cup defeat at Twickenham, Biggar kicked five penalties, a drop-goal and converted centre Josh Matavesi’s late interception try for a 20-point haul as Exeter were sunk 25-13.
Wing James Short claimed a well-worked touchdown for the Chiefs, while Irish outhalf Gareth Steenson converted and booted two penalties, but they were unable to emulate Leicester, Saracens, Northampton and Wasps, who all claimed opening weekend Champions Cup victories.
The Ospreys could even afford for Biggar to uncharacteristically miss three penalty attempts, but he regained his composure at key moments to ensure his team enjoyed a winning start in Pool Two.
They also denied Exeter a losing bonus point, which could prove important when quarter-final places are decided in January.It was the Chiefs’ first defeat by Welsh opposition in any competition since they attained Premiership status in 2010.
Ospreys:
D Evans, Howells, Spratt, Matavesi, Walker, Biggar, Leonard, James, Baldwin, Arhip, Ashley, Jones, Lydiate, Tipuric, King. Replacements: Davies for Howells (79), Habberfield for Leonard (79), Bevington for James (73), Parry for Baldwin (66), Jarvis for Arhip (41), Baker for King (79).
Exeter Chiefs:
Nowell, Jess, Slade, Hill, Short, Steenson, Chudley, Hepburn, L Cowan-Dickie, Francis, Lees, Welch, Ewers, Salvi, Armand. Replacements: Whitten for Jess (49), Campagnaro for Steenson (73), Lewis for Chudley (73), Rimmer for Hepburn (66), Yeandle for L Cowan-Dickie (54), Low for Francis (66), Atkins for Lees (73), Johnson for Armand (58).
Referee:
Marius Mitrea (Italy).
