European Challenge Cup: Racing 92 31, Exeter 31 – Late heartbreak for the Chiefs
In an eventful European Challenge Cup clash, Exeter battled to a dramatic 31-31 draw at Racing 92, despite making a number of changes to their squad. The bonus point remained within reach until the clock ticked into stoppage time, when Racing finally found a way through the visitors’ defense.
Racing 92 struck first in Paris as Kelo Labarbe crossed early, but Exeter answered through Martin Moloney and Kane James to seize a 14-7 lead midway through the first half. The hosts responded with a try by Selestino Ravutaumada on the left, yet Exeter, led by forwards Lewis Pearson and Rusi Tuima, crossed again to secure a crucial bonus point before halftime.
The second period saw Exeter defend stoutly, keeping Racing at bay until 15 minutes from the end when Taofifenua crossed from short range after Tuima had been sin-binned. Ben Coen then widened Exeter’s cushion with a penalty with ten minutes remaining.
Racing hit back, as Nolann Donguy touched down seven minutes later following a yellow card for Greg Fisilau, leaving the scoreline tightly poised. Exeter fought hard to hold on, but the hosts gradually worked their way toward the Chiefs’ line, and with time mounting, Antoine Latrasse emerged from a cluster of players to dot down under the posts, with Geronimo Prisciantelli converting to level the scores.
The draw leaves Exeter second in their pool on eight points, two points adrift of leaders Stade Français after two rounds. Only Charlie Chapman survived from the team that beat the Cheetahs at Sandy Park, as Exeter rested several international stars ahead of the upcoming Premiership trip to Saracens.
Racing made four changes to an inexperienced side that had been defeated 61-7 by Ulster, reintroducing France center Gael Fickou among the recalled players. The hosts started strongly when Junior Kpoku was held up over the line, but Labarbe soon put Racing ahead after Prisciantelli sprinted down the right wing.
Exeter replied swiftly as Moloney powered over for a try beneath the posts, with James adding his side’s second before the 15-minute mark. Ravutaumada’s try for Racing followed, but Pearson and Tuima extended Exeter’s lead just before the break.
The halftime score did not reflect the tension of the match as Racing brought on Taofifenua, Guram Gogichashvili, Vinaya Habosi and Lekima Tagitagivalu to intensify the pressure. Exeter’s defense held firm until the final quarter, when the French forwards finally broke through.
Tuima received a yellow card for a late tackle on a maul, and shortly after Taofifenua crossed from close range. Coen’s penalty gave Exeter some breathing room, but replacement Fisilau left the field after a high hit on Fickou, reducing Exeter to 13 men for a brief period.
Donguy’s late try in the corner followed a quick line-out, leaving Exeter with little time to respond as Racing claimed the late equalizer through Latrasse’s finish and Prisciantelli’s successful conversion.
Racing 92: Prisciantelli; Donguy, Fickou, Manu, Ravutaumada; Gibert, Labarbe; Jabea Njocke, Basse, Kharaishvili, Kpoku, Rowlands, Sanconnie, Lainault, Zinzen.
Replacements: Leota, Gogichashvili, Bamba, Taofifenua, Tagitagivalu, Albuisson, Latrasse, Habosi.
Exeter: Haydon-Wood; John, Ascherl, Rigg, Ridl; Coen, Chapman; Burger, Heaven, J. Roots, Pearson, Tuima, Capstick, Moloney, James.
Replacements: Dweba, Goodrick-Clarke, Mona, Beckerleg, E. Roots, Fisilau, Cairns, Batson.
Yellow cards: Tuima (63), Fisilau (72)
Referee: Federico Vedovelli
