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Sam Simmonds scored his 13th try of the Gallagher Premiership season as champions Exeter fought back to sink Bath 38-16 at the Recreation Ground.
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Simmonds, who continues to be overlooked by England boss Eddie Jones, could not fail to have impressed watching British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland.
The Exeter number eight needs only four more touchdowns to equal the Premiership try-scoring record for one campaign, and there are still 10 rounds of regular league season action left.
Exeter trailed by 13 points midway through the second quarter after wing Ruaridh McConnochie scored a try, which Rhys Priestland converted, and he also kicked two penalties.
But the Chiefs, striving to avoid a third successive Premiership defeat, responded brilliantly, with lock Sam Skinner and wing Tom O’Flaherty each claiming two touchdowns, while Simmonds and Scotland second-row forward Jonny Gray also scored tries.
Sam Simmonds will not be denied, that's 13 tries for the season now ?
Clearly @ExeterChiefs put fuel in their try machine this morning…#GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/gn0xCOPSx1
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 6, 2021
Joe Simmonds kicked four conversions, with Priestland kicking another penalty for Bath, who were ultimately overpowered despite England flanker Sam Underhill making a strong first appearance since January after recovering from a hip injury.
And it would be no surprise if Underhill earns an England squad recall ahead of next weekend’s Guinness Six Nations clash against France at Twickenham.
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Underhill featured in a Bath line-up that also saw prop Beno Obano starting after he was released from England duty, while Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau filled the role of blindside flanker.
Any chance of someone showing this montage of Sam Simmonds 12 tries in the @premrugby so far this season to a certain E. Jones please @btsportrugby pic.twitter.com/uucdRzM9zT
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) March 6, 2021
Exeter were boosted by the return of Scotland internationals Stuart Hogg and Jonny Gray, and hooker Jack Innard packed down in the front-row instead of suspended Chiefs captain Jack Yeandle.
Bath absorbed early Exeter pressure and they were able to clear the danger after Underhill secured a turnover and Exeter were then penalised.
Priestland then booted Bath into the lead with a short-range penalty as he extended his Premiership record to 33 successful kicks.
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It got even better for Bath just two minutes later, and Priestland was heavily involved, setting up a scoring chance for McConnochie by launching a pinpoint cross-kick.
McConnochie still had plenty to do, but he soared high, before spinning and turning to touch down, beating off the twin challenge of defenders O’Flaherty and Jack Maunder.
Priestland converted, and Bath were off and running, holding a 10-point advantage in rapid time.
Exeter could not escape from their own half, with Bath monopolising possession as Priestland kicked a second penalty.
The Chiefs needed to summon a response, and they delivered 11 minutes before half-time after securing lineout ball close to Bath’s line.
Bath might have expected a trademark catch and drive from the visitors, but possession quickly found its way to Maunder, who sent O’Flaherty over for a smart try that Joe Simmonds converted.
And Exeter were not finished as the interval approached, claiming a second close-range try as Sam Simmonds powered over for his 13th Premiership try of the season.
His brother drifted the conversion attempt narrowly wide, yet Exeter were well and truly back in contention, trailing by just a point at half-time.
Bath regained momentum early in the second period, impressively going through phase-play, even if they were unable to threaten Exeter’s line.
Underhill was replaced by Miles Reid midway through the third quarter, and Bath’s energy was rewarded when Priestland completed a penalty hat-trick.
Exeter came storming back, though, and they went ahead for the first time through a 61st-minute Skinner try that was made by Sam Simmonds’ powerful charge from the base of an attacking scrum.
Joe Simmonds’ conversion opened up a three-point lead, then Skinner claimed his second try in six minutes as Exeter secured a bonus point, and it was a case of job done.
Comments on RugbyPass
Forget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
21 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
14 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. Those praising him are a joke.
14 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
21 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
21 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
14 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
1 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
21 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
14 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
14 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
21 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
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