In an epic turn of events at the Recreation Ground, former Tuks prop Ethan Burger sealed the deal with a 68th-minute try, as Exeter Chiefs toppled the reigning English Premiership champions Bath with a nail-biting 27-26 victory. The Chiefs, who were lagging at 26-10 by halftime, staged a formidable comeback, leaving the home crowd in a hush at the sound of the final whistle.
Bath, under the guidance of Coach Johann van Graan, initially dominated with tries from Beno Obano, Thomas du Toit, Joe Cokanasiga, and Henry Arundell. Flyhalf Santi Carreras added the extra points with three conversions. However, Exeter's resurgence in the second half through Christ Tshiunza, Ben Hammersley, and Greg Fisilau, set the stage for Burger's match-winning moment.
"I've not got words to describe that, it's mental,"
Exeter's flyhalf Harvey Skinner expressed post-match."The boys showed some great fight, we stuck at it and we came good in the end."
Despite being a man down, Skinner highlighted the team's relentless spirit and determination.The Chiefs' victory not only avenged their dismal ninth-place finish from the previous season but also propelled them into the finals against Northampton at Twickenham on June 20. This match marks Exeter's first final appearance since their loss to Harlequins five years prior. Meanwhile, Bath's attempt to secure a third consecutive final was thwarted in a dramatic finish, where Billy Sela was stopped just short of the line and a potential game-winning drop goal from Carreras was not attempted.
Exeter's resilience has been a theme throughout their season, often finding ways to win against the odds. This victory adds them to the short list of teams capable of dramatic turnarounds, reminiscent of only Wasps, Leicester, and Saracens who have managed consecutive Premiership titles since the introduction of the playoffs 24 years ago.
The dramatic end to this semi-final clash sets up what promises to be a thrilling final against Northampton, as Exeter looks to reclaim their glory days of 2020 and add another Premiership title to their cabinet.