Ruthless Exeter Capitalize on Newcastle Turmoil

Exeter Chiefs delivered a commanding 38-15 victory over Newcastle Red Bulls at Sandy Park, extending the visitors' winless start to the 2025-26 Premiership Rugby season. The match marked Newcastle's first outing since sacking director of rugby Steve Diamond earlier this week.

Key Match Highlights:

• 🏉 Feyi-Waboso's Triple Threat: England's rising star Immanuel Feyi-Waboso dominated with three tries, including a spectacular cross-field catch-and-sprint
• ⚡ First-Half Blitz: Exeter raced to 24-10 halftime lead through tries from Ross Vintcent and Joseph Dweba
• 🛡️ Defensive Masterclass: Chiefs limited Newcastle to rare attacking opportunities until late consolation try
• 📈 Table Impact: Exeter climb to second place while Newcastle remain rooted to bottom

Tactical Breakdown

Exeter's forward pack laid the foundation with 92% lineout success and 15 dominant tackles in the opening 40 minutes. The Chiefs' strategic kicking game exposed Newcastle's defensive frailties, particularly against high balls and cross-field kicks.

Turning Point:

• 9th-minute lineout maul set tone for Exeter's physical dominance
• Critical intercept try by Harvey Skinner (58') sealed Newcastle's fate

Post-Match Reactions

Rob Baxter (Exeter Director of Rugby):

"When you see that work rate combined with clinical finishing, that's Premiership rugby at its best. Feyi-Waboso's development this season has been phenomenal."

Alan Dickens (Newcastle Interim Coach):

"We gifted them too many opportunities. Our lineout errors at critical moments proved costly against a side of Exeter's quality."

Early Premiership Table Implications

Next Fixtures:

• Exeter: Away to Bristol Bears (Oct 11)
• Newcastle: Home vs Leicester Tigers (Oct 12)

Match Stats Spotlight:

• Possession: Exeter 62% - 38% Newcastle
• Clean Breaks: Exeter 14 vs Newcastle 5
• Tackle Success: Exeter 89% vs Newcastle 76%

Image credit: Getty Images/Rex Features