Exeter Chiefs power into play-off places with commanding win over Sale

Exeter Chiefs boosted their Premiership play-off ambitions with a deserved 26-14 victory over Sale Sharks at Sandy Park, moving up to third in the table.

The hosts made a flying start, asserting their dominance early on with tries from Stephen Varney and Campbell Ridl inside the opening 15 minutes to build a 12-0 lead. Exeter controlled possession and territory, putting Sale under sustained pressure from the outset.

Sale responded through Ernst van Rhyn to cut the deficit, but Exeter quickly regained control as Olly Woodburn crossed to extend the lead, giving the Chiefs a 19-7 advantage at half-time.

The visitors threatened a comeback early in the second half when Dan du Preez powered over within five minutes of the restart, narrowing the gap to just five points and setting up a tense contest.

However, Exeter held firm and sealed both the victory and a valuable bonus point with 15 minutes remaining. Paul Brown-Bampoe finished under the posts to cap a clinical attacking display and put the result beyond doubt.

The win lifts Exeter into third place in the Premiership standings, guaranteeing them a spot in the top four at the end of the round, while Sale remain seventh with their play-off hopes now hanging by a thread.