Exeter Chiefs join the title conversation in the Gallagher Premiership

It is time to officially forget about the struggles of last season and start enjoying the new reality that Exeter Chiefs are back as one of the genuine contenders at the top of English rugby.

Saturday’s 39-12 over struggling Gloucester lifted the Chiefs to third in the table, nicely positioned by Northampton Saints and Bath as we head into a break in the schedule for the autumn internationals.

Joseph Dweba gave Exeter a dream start on Saturday but Gloucester replied with a superb individual try from Will Joseph. The Chiefs then cranked up the game with scores from the in-form duo of Henry Slade and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.

Freddie Thomas reduced the half-time arrears to 27-12 before the Chiefs found an extra gear after the break, Slade adding another to his personal tally alongside a score from Jack Yeandle.

Exeter Chiefs attack coach Dave Walder spoke to BBC Radio Devon: "It's the end of a really positive block – to get three wins in the first block of five (matches) is really important and after the high of last week against Harlequins it was important that we were mentally in the right place.”

The Chiefs return to action with a trip to Sale on Friday, November 14.