Poor discipline leads to a frustrating defeat for Exeter Chiefs in Paris

Exeter Chiefs suffered a dramatic collapse in a European Challenge Cup defeat to Stade Français, having surrendered a commanding 22-point lead.

The Chiefs appeared in complete control after tries from Paul Brown-Bampoe and Scott Sio either side of half-time had put them 22–0 ahead, but a flood of penalties and two sin-bins allowed the hosts to stage a stunning comeback.

Brown-Bampoe opened the scoring in the 15th minute, finishing in the left corner after collecting a long pass from Dafydd Jenkins. Exeter were forced to make several try-saving tackles early on, notably from Ethan Roots and Henry Slade, but grew in confidence as the half progressed.

Slade added a penalty six minutes before the interval, before Exeter capitalised on sustained stoppage-time pressure. After phase upon phase on the Stade line, Sio powered over from close range to give the visitors a 17–0 lead at the break.

The prop added his second five minutes after the restart to stretch the advantage to 22–0, but Stade responded quickly through Giorgi Melikidze, who crossed from short range following their first sustained spell of pressure.

From that point on, Exeter’s discipline began to unravel. Repeated infringements handed Stade field position and momentum, and after a succession of penalties, Thibaut Motassi darted over from a metre out to cut the deficit to eight with 20 minutes remaining.

The turning point came in the final quarter. Greg Fisilau was sent to the sin-bin for collapsing a maul on 63 minutes, and moments later replacement Lewis Pearson committed a similar offence, resulting in a penalty try and leaving Exeter reduced to 13 men.

Stade took full advantage, moving ahead soon after when Leo Barré fed Joe Jonas, who sent Charles Laloi over in the right corner for a bonus-point try.

Despite being short-handed, Exeter briefly regained the lead when Slade landed a superb 35-metre drop goal with eight minutes remaining. However, another Chiefs error proved costly, and Barré’s penalty four minutes later sealed a remarkable turnaround for the French side.

The defeat leaves Exeter second in Pool Three and unable to top the group, with Stade holding a six-point lead going into the final round of matches.