Exeter Chiefs battle past Munster to reach Challenge Cup Quarter-Finals

A dazzling solo effort from Immanuel Feyi-Waboso marked a triumphant return from injury as Exeter Chiefs powered past Munster to secure a place in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

Exeter capitalised ruthlessly on a disjointed first-half display from the visitors, storming into a commanding lead before the interval. Ross Vintcent opened the scoring, setting the tone for a dominant spell in which Henry Slade and Will Rigg both crossed following interceptions.

The highlight came when Feyi-Waboso, making his first appearance since January after a hamstring injury sustained in an England training camp, produced a sensational individual try. Cutting through half the Munster defence with a weaving run, he extended Exeter’s advantage to 31-0 at half-time.

Munster showed renewed determination after the break, aided by a strong wind, and Jack Crowley struck twice to spark hopes of a comeback. The Irish side applied sustained pressure and were eventually rewarded when captain Tadhg Beirne forced his way over the line.

However, Exeter’s resolute defence proved decisive, repeatedly repelling Munster’s advances. Beirne’s late yellow card for a deliberate knock-on effectively ended any lingering hopes of a turnaround, although Crowley added a late consolation with an inventive finish.

The victory continues a positive week for Exeter, coming shortly after director of rugby Rob Baxter committed his future to the club with a new multi-year contract at Sandy Park.