Chiefs triumph again as Gloucester revive Champions Cup hopes

Exeter Chiefs made it three wins from as many European Champions Cup Pool 2 games with a 22-20 victory over fellow Premiership side Sale Sharks.

The action was concentrated in an entertaining first half at the AJ Bell Stadium, where Stuart Hogg was pivotal in a penalty try and touched down for another five points.

Sale responded through Akker van der Merwe’s two tries, but Luke Cowan-Dickie crossed to ensure Rob Baxter’s men were ahead at the interval.

The second half was scoreless until Jono Ross’ late try gave Sale hope, but Exeter saw out the victory to move to the brink of securing a quarter-final spot.

FULL TIME: @SaleSharksRugby 20 @ExeterChiefs 22#SALvEXE pic.twitter.com/B3GD024Vc8

— Exeter Chiefs (@ExeterChiefs) December 8, 2019

Gloucester revived their hopes of reaching the knockout stage with a first win in three attempts in Pool 5.

After back-to-back defeats, in which they had the consolation of taking losing bonus points, the Premiership side defeated Connacht 26-17 and gained a try-scoring bonus point.

Having trailed at the break, the hosts roared back to triumph at Kingsholm Stadium, with Tom Marshall touching down in each half, while Louis Rees-Zammit and Jake Polledri also got in on the act.

Connacht were hamstrung by Kyle Godwin’s dismissal as they were left at the foot of the table.

In the same group, Toulouse continued their 100 per cent record with a dominant 23-9 victory over Montpellier.

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