Exeter Chiefs finally secured their first win of the Premiership Rugby season, edging out Newcastle Red Bulls in a thrilling nine-try encounter. Despite Christian Wade's hat-trick for Newcastle, Exeter's resilience and a late try from Bachuki Tchumbadze sealed a much-needed victory. The match, played in front of a modest crowd, highlighted the importance of winning, even as Newcastle's Wade reached a personal milestone.
Exeter's Relief: First Win of the Campaign
Exeter's director of rugby, Rob Baxter, expressed relief after the match, acknowledging the challenge posed by Newcastle. "Winning is what matters most," Baxter said. The Chiefs had to dig deep, with Ross Vintcent scoring two first-quarter tries to keep them in contention. The victory was ultimately secured by a late try from Georgian prop Bachuki Tchumbadze, ensuring Exeter avoided another disappointing result.
Christian Wade's Historic Hat-Trick
Christian Wade's hat-trick for Newcastle was a standout performance, as he became only the second player ever to score 100 top-tier tries. The 35-year-old winger now has 100 Premiership tries, closing in on Chris Ashton's all-time record of 101. Wade's poacher's instinct was on full display, but it wasn't enough to secure Newcastle's first away league win in almost four years.
Key Statistics from the Match
| Statistic | Exeter Chiefs | Newcastle Red Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| Tries | 5 | 4 |
| Conversions | 3 | 3 |
| Penalties | 1 | 1 |
| Total Points | 34 | 31 |
Notable Debut and Injury Concerns
The match also saw a promising debut from 18-year-old Jake Dalziel, the youngest player to represent Newcastle in the Premiership. However, England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso left the field with a tweaked hamstring, raising concerns for Exeter. "I don't think it's a catastrophe but he said he doesn't feel right," Baxter commented. "It's more of a concern than a long-term worry."
Key Takeaways
- Exeter Chiefs secured their first win of the season, defeating Newcastle Red Bulls.
- Christian Wade scored a hat-trick, reaching 100 Premiership tries.
- Ross Vintcent scored two tries for Exeter in the first quarter.
- Bachuki Tchumbadze scored the match-winning try.
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso suffered a hamstring injury.
FAQ
Who won the Exeter Chiefs vs Newcastle Red Bulls match?
Exeter Chiefs won the match with a score of 34-31.
How many tries did Christian Wade score?
Christian Wade scored a hat-trick, three tries, for Newcastle Red Bulls.
What milestone did Christian Wade achieve?
Christian Wade became only the second player ever to score 100 top-tier tries.
Who was the youngest player to represent Newcastle in the Premiership?
Jake Dalziel, aged 18, became the youngest player to represent Newcastle in the Premiership.