Exeter Chiefs overcome Bath 27-26 in Premiership semifinal

Exeter Chiefs produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat defending champions Bath 27-26 in a dramatic Premiership semifinal on Saturday, securing a place in the final against Northampton Saints. Trailing by 16 points at halftime, Exeter scored 17 unanswered points after the break and held firm through a frantic final sequence to claim a dramatic victory at Bath's Recreation Ground.

The home side dominated the opening period, building a 26-10 lead through tries from Beno Obano, Thomas du Toit, Joe Cokanasiga, and Henry Arundell, with fly-half Santiago Carreras adding three conversions. Exeter's only first-half response was a solo try from flanker Christ Tshiunza, converted by Henry Slade, who also spent ten minutes in the sin-bin for a professional foul.

The match turned decisively after the interval. Exeter's replacements made a significant impact, with Ben Hammersley, Greg Fisilau, and Ethan Burger all crossing for tries. Burger's 68th-minute score, converted by Slade, put Exeter ahead for the first time at 27-26, after Harvey Skinner had earlier added a penalty. Bath's task was compounded when winger Cokanasiga was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on in the 64th...