Exeter edge Newcastle 34-28 in chaotic opener as Feyi-Waboso limps off with hamstring concern

Exeter Chiefs claimed their first Gallagher Premiership victory of the season at Sandy Park on Saturday, edging Newcastle Falcons 34-28 in a scrappy, lead-swapping contest that left director of rugby Rob Baxter describing the afternoon as “bloody stressful” — a verdict his wife had already delivered by phone before he could.

The Chiefs led after just 40 seconds yet never managed to shake off a resilient Newcastle side, with the scoreboard flipping back and forth throughout. Exeter ultimately pulled clear in the closing stages, collecting two bonus points in the process.

Christian Wade was the standout performer for the visitors, scoring a hat-trick of tries, while Max Hicks added a fourth and Zack Henry converted all four. For Exeter, Ross Vintcent crossed twice, with Sam Harris, Henry Slade and Bachuki Tchumbadze also touching down. Slade converted three and added a penalty.

Baxter was candid about his side’s shortcomings. “We attacked well as we knew how to create opportunities, but we were badly lacking in defensive energy, being slow getting up off the floor,” he said. “The flip-flopping of the lead prevented us from settling and the game didn’t have the control we would have liked. The pressure of the scoreline meant we didn’t take the simple options, but our defence did improve as they only scored once in the second half.”

The result was soured by the sight of England wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso leaving the field midway through the second half. Baxter confirmed the 22-year-old had felt discomfort in his hamstring. “It will be scanned, but at present it’s more of a concern than a worry,” the director of rugby said.

Despite the defeat, Newcastle director of rugby Dan McFarland took encouragement from his side’s performance against last season’s Premiership finalists. “To lose was disappointing, but two points against last season’s finalists was something to be proud of,” he said. “We went down playing the brand of rugby that we want to play moving forward.”

McFarland identified a pivotal moment around the hour mark when Jake Dalziel’s 50/22 attempt narrowly missed the corner flag. “That was a crucial moment,” he acknowledged, adding that his side made too many errors and lacked connection in the second half.

On Wade’s hat-trick display, McFarland was effusive. “He has dancing feet and exceptional speed and is a throwback — he’s not a modern-day six-foot-plus winger who has to keep competing in the air,” he said.