Exeter Chiefs' dramatic comeback against Bath, despite falling short in a thrilling 33-26 defeat, has ignited a bold declaration from head coach Rob Baxter: 'This team is far from finished.' What makes this statement so compelling? Just last season, Exeter languished near the bottom of the Premiership table, winning a mere four games. Fast forward to today, and they sit comfortably in third place, boasting six wins in nine matches—a transformation that demands attention.
But here's where it gets controversial: despite the loss, Baxter sees this performance as a triumph of progress. Arthur Green's last-gasp try may have sealed Bath's victory, but Exeter's fightback from a 26-0 deficit to level the scores in the final minutes showcased their resilience and growth. Baxter told BBC Radio Devon, 'If you’d told me at the start of the season we’d be disappointed with two points away at Bath in a top-four clash, I’d have taken that every time.'
And this is the part most people miss: Exeter’s resurgence isn’t just about results—it’s about the youthful energy and potential within the squad. Players like Bachuki Tchumbadze, in just his fifth professional game, symbolize the team’s bright future. Baxter emphasizes, 'We’re not ageing; we’re at the right age range, gaining experience, and there’s so much more to come from these players.'
However, the game wasn’t without its controversial moments. Young winger Campbell Ridl’s 20-minute red card for a dangerous challenge on Henry Arundell in the air proved costly. Bath capitalized with four tries during Ridl’s absence, building a commanding lead. But even here, Baxter finds a silver lining: 'We can learn from this—how to manage yellow cards, organize under pressure, and minimize damage.'
Ridl’s journey adds another layer to Exeter’s story. The 20-year-old, who broke his hand in pre-season, has quickly become a key figure, scoring his first try in the win over Leicester. Baxter defends Ridl’s challenge, calling it 'completely accidental but completely wrong.' Yet, he acknowledges its impact: 'It hurt us, but it also created a rugby spectacle—a game that kept us on the edge until the very end.'
As Exeter shifts focus to European competition, Baxter’s optimism is palpable. 'We’re not just competing; we’re evolving,' he asserts. But what do you think? Is Exeter’s progress this season a sign of greater things to come, or is their recent success unsustainable? Let’s debate—are they truly a force to be reckoned with, or is this just a fleeting moment of glory?
