Sharks returned to the Gallagher PREM with a 26–14 defeat away at Sandy Park against Exeter Chiefs.
The Chiefs’ line-up featured several international stars returning from the recent Six Nations campaign, including Dafydd Jenkins, Andrea Zambonin, Stephen Varney and Henry Slade all named in the starting XV.
Exeter made the first attacking move from the base of a scrum, with Ross Vintcent running a hard line before offloading to Varney, who dotted the ball over in the corner. Henry Slade attempted the conversion, but it drifted wide.
Riding the early momentum, the Chiefs struck again soon after. A well-worked move from the training ground saw the ball moved cleanly from a line-out, allowing Campbell Ridl to burst through the midfield and score. Henry Slade added the extras to extend the lead.
With the score favouring the home side, Sale responded through captain Ernst van Rhyn. From the restart, Sharks looked dangerous, with half-backs Rob du Preez and Raffi Quirke guiding play deep into the Exeter 22. Sustained pressure forced a penalty close to the line. Jacques Vermeulen took a quick tap but was held just short; however, from the recycled ball, van Rhyn powered over. RDP converted to reduce the deficit to 12–7.
Before the break, Exeter added a third try through Olly Woodburn in the corner. Slade was successful with the conversion, giving the Chiefs a 19–7 lead at half-time.
The second half began with renewed intent from Sale, who immediately pushed into the Exeter red zone. After several strong phases close to the line, a handling error halted the momentum.
The Sharks pack soon made amends. Driving Exeter backwards at the scrum, Dan du Preez capitalised by picking from the base and forcing his way over for a try. Du Preez added the conversion to close the gap to 19–14.
Both sides then battled evenly, with handling errors disrupting the flow of the game. However, Exeter found another breakthrough when Varney sparked the attack, delivering a well-timed pass to Paul Brown-Bampoe, who ran in to extend the Chiefs’ lead.
With 10 minutes remaining, Sale pinned Exeter inside their own 22, searching for a way back into the game. However, in the 74th minute, WillGriff John suffered a head injury and had to be helped from the field.
With both starting props off, the match moved to uncontested scrums. Despite a late push and one final opportunity inside the Exeter 22, Sale lost possession at the breakdown.
Exeter quickly transitioned into attack, and although Harvey Skinner was brought down just short by a strong tackle from Du Preez, it proved to be the final play.
The match ended 26–14 in favour of the home side.
