Exeter Chiefs secured a dramatic victory over reigning champions Bath in the Premiership semi-final on Sunday, clinching their place in the final at Twickenham this Saturday. The South West side completed a remarkable comeback, overturning a 26-10 deficit at halftime to win the match 27-26.

South African prop Ethan Burger was the pivotal figure in Exeter’s triumph, scoring the decisive try in the 67th minute. The Chiefs’ resilient defence then withstood 43 consecutive phases of Bath pressure in the closing stages to maintain their narrow lead. Bath came close to snatching victory in the dying moments, with hooker Kepu Tuipulotu almost breaching Exeter’s line, but a final goal-line defensive stand involving Olly Woodburn and Henry Slade prevented the try. Referee Christophe Ridley’s whistle ended Bath’s hopes, prompting celebrations among the Exeter players and fans.

The victory marked Exeter’s first appearance in the Premiership final since 2021 and was notable as only the seventh occasion an away side has won a play-off match in the competition’s 46-game history. The Chiefs have also defied expectations by reaching the final after finishing third in the regular season, a position from which no team has previously secured the championship.

Exeter head coach Rob Baxter, celebrating his 34th wedding anniversary on the day, praised his players’ transformation since last season. “They’re the same players who shipped 80 points at Gloucester last season, but they are different men,” Baxter said. “Bath are a hell of a team and the only thing that makes our performance worth anything is we have beaten a good, well-coached team.”

Bath, coached by Johann van Graan, dominated the first half with tries from Beno Obano and Thomas du Toit, taking a 16-point lead into the break. Their wings, Joe Cokanasiga and Henry Arundell, also crossed the line to extend their advantage, fueling hopes of a comfortable victory. However, Exeter’s resilience shone through in the second half, as Greg Fisilau’s try narrowed the gap to four points. A yellow card to Cokanasiga for Bath further shifted momentum.

In the closing stages, Bath opted against attempting a drop goal in favor of a pick-and-go strategy in an effort to score the winning try. Van Graan expressed confidence in his players’ decision despite the narrow loss. “If you lose by one point, then on the day you were not good enough,” he reflected.

Fly-half Harvey Skinner, centre Henry Slade, and Australian flanker Tom Hooper delivered standout performances for Exeter, contributing to both the defensive resilience and attacking opportunities that fueled the comeback. Slade’s precise kicking was instrumental in setting up the line-out that led to Burger’s winning try.

The final will see Exeter face Northampton, with the Chiefs aiming to capture their third Premiership title and break the longstanding trend against third-place finishers claiming the championship.