Former Exeter Chief Tom O'Flaherty. Pic from PPAUK
In the midst of the autumn internationals, it is easy to forget the positive start Exeter Chiefs have made to the rugby season, but they will also want to forget a gloomy Friday night in Manchester.
Travelling to Sale Sharks in the Premiership Rugby Cup, the Chiefs fielded an unfamiliar and youthful line-up and their disjointed performance was punished by the home side, who turned on the second-half gas to win 34-3 in horrendous weather conditions.
Sam Dugdale gave the Sharks a narrow lead at half-time but with Storm Claudia blowing in their backs after the break, Sale raced clear of the inexperienced Chiefs.
Dugdale notched his second try after sloppy set-piece work from Exeter and Ethan Caine dived over to extend the lead. Hooker Tadgh McElroy added another score and the Chiefs’ misery was completed by former Sandy Park winger Tom O’Flaherty diving over in the corner.
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