• Exeter 35-10 Sale• Chiefs on verge of qualifying for last eight of Champions Cup
It is not every day that hail stops play in European rugby but even the spectacular storm that briefly forced the players off in the second half could not halt Exeter’s inexorable drive towards the last eight. Barring the most improbable of twists the Chiefs are effectively through with two rounds still to play and, rain or shine, look increasingly well placed for a home draw in the quarter-finals.
Even a solitary losing point from one of their two remaining games against Glasgow and La Rochelle will be sufficient to ensure they finish top of Pool Two and this was another afternoon when they were convincing winners without performing at absolute full throttle.