Exeter Chiefs player ratings: ‘Highlight-reel stuff’ from Immanuel Feyi-Waboso while ‘monstrous’ Test star proves himself ‘the signing of the season’
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (pictured) and Andrea Zambonin (right) were among the top performers for Exeter in their win over Leicester
Following Exeter Chiefs’ 35-26 win over Leicester Tigers at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, here is how we scored Rob Baxter’s men in the round 17 clash.
Exeter Chiefs player ratings v Leicester Tigers
15 Olly Woodburn: The yellow card blots the copybook, unfortunately, but this was another classy outing from the ever-impressive back. His two tries went a long way towards this big win, and offered some real solidity in backfield as well. 7
14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso: Highlight-reel stuff yet again from the England man, who was utterly unplayable at times. Started his day off with a dazzling break and assist for Woodburn, before trucking it up hard in the tight and making some big defensive reads too. 9
13 Henry Slade: Normally lets his attacking work do the talking, but this was a huge defensive shift from the centre. Put his body on the line across the game and even mixed it with the big boys up front for good measure. 7
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12 Len Ikitau: Overcame an early head knock to have a strong outing. Added plenty of punch on both sides of the ball, chipped in with some deft handling to turn half-chances into proper opportunities and nabbed an assist and a try along the way. 7
11 Campbell Ridl: A mature effort from the promising youngster. Was put under pressure by the likes of Adam Radwan and occasionally Will Wand down his edge, but managed the situations well and ends in credit. 6
10 Harvey Skinner: Very solid outing all told. Just guided the team around the park well and got them playing in the right areas. Nothing flashy, but it was effective. 6
9 Stephen Varney: Another reminder of just why Exeter brought him over at the start of the season, in a really tidy display. Injected real fizz into the attack, got his side playing off the same hymn sheet and kicked really well. 7
Back-row
8 Greg Fisilau: Has been caged up in the physio room for a few weeks, but channelled that pent-up frustration into a real barnstorming effort. Trucked around the pitch with genuine anger and seemed to just throw himself into every collision he could. Steve Borthwick would have really liked this effort. 7
7 Ethan Roots: Industrious effort from the returning back-rower. Seemed to spawn right where his team needed him in the tight, and made some real dents in the Leicester pack as a result. 7
6 Tom Hooper: Another big showing from the Wallabies man, who is enjoying his time with the Chiefs. Just brought heaps of physicality to proceedings and dragged his team over the line. 7
Tight five
5 Andrea Zambonin: Utterly monstrous effort from the Italian, who has arguably been the signing of the season. Dominated every battle he found himself in, be it the lineout or the breakdown, and his delicious try at the death secured the victory for his side. 9
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4 Dafydd Jenkins (c): Proper captain’s knock from the Welshman, who put his body on the line for his side. Exeter are a much better team when he’s in form like this. 8
3 Josh Iosefa-Scott: A mixed day in the scrum, but Nicky Smith deserves praise for that to be honest, but got involved well around the park. 6
2 Max Norey: Lineout was messy for both sides, mainly as a result of the jumpers on both teams to be fair, but didn’t stop working in the tight. 6
1 Scott Sio: Had a better day in the scrum than Iosefa-Scott, and trucked hard on both sides of the ball too. 6
Replacements: Came on with the game right in the balance and when Leicester were starting to gain a bit of momentum, but they just neutralised that. The front-row stabilised the scrum just as it was creaking and also got stuck in around the park, while Christ Tshiunza, Rusi Tuima and Paul Brown-Bampoe looked to make positive impacts upon their introduction. 7