European adventure begins with stylish victory for Exeter Chiefs over Cheetahs

Something special is brewing at Sandy Park, as Exeter Chiefs added to their outstanding start to the league season with a dominant opening display in the European Champions Cup.

Welcoming South African outfit Cheetahs to East Devon, the hospitality ended abruptly as the Chiefs raced into a superb 35-7 lead at the break, Len Ikitau, Greg Fisilau, Harvey Skinner, Scott Sio, and Henry Slade all dotting down.

The Cheetahs were better after the break but came up against an Exeter defensive wall, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso adding one more try for the Chiefs, who travel to Racing 92 next weekend.

Chiefs’ coach Dave Walder told BBC Sport: "We put the game to bed in the first half hour. The try before half-time was really crucial and some of our tries in the first half were outstanding. It was a shame we didn't kick on in the second half but I think mentally after half an hour we were in a good place.

"Sometimes you can be a little bit fearful [against teams] or get a little bit complacent and I thought we judged it well. If you had said at the start of the day you would win 42-12 and be in the situation we are in you would have taken that.”