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Exeter Chiefs suffer late collapse against Harlequins
Exeter Chiefs surrendered a 10-point halftime lead, conceding four unanswered tries in the second half as Harlequins secured a 41-24 victory at Twickenham on Saturday.
Baxter admits team showed signs of exhaustion
Head coach Rob Baxter acknowledged his side appeared fatigued after a grueling schedule, with no weekend off since early March. Exeter had reached the Premiership Rugby Cup final and the European Challenge Cup semi-finals before this defeat.
"We probably looked like a team that has played back-to-back big games with short turnarounds," Baxter told BBC Radio Devon. "Quins grew into the game, but I know we've been through some tough matches recently. We were sharp in the first half, but our energy levels dropped by the end."
Baxter noted that even when the game was close, Exeter made uncharacteristic errors while trying to chase the score.
Exeter's packed schedule takes its toll
The Chiefs' defeat marks their sixth in this season's Premiership, following a week after their victory over Bath and two weeks after their Challenge Cup semi-final loss to Ulster. The demanding run of fixtures has left little time for recovery.
"It's nice to be in big games-that's how you learn fastest," Baxter said. "But we haven't had a chance to catch our breath. This week off will be good for us."
Rob Baxter, Exeter Chiefs Head Coach
Play-off hopes still alive despite tough run-in
Exeter remain fourth in the Premiership standings but face a challenging finish to the season, with away and home fixtures against Leicester and Saracens, respectively. The Chiefs are aiming for their first play-off appearance since 2021 after last season's disappointing campaign.
Baxter emphasized that the team is gaining valuable experience from high-pressure matches, despite the physical and emotional toll. "We've been in some intense games-Treviso, Ulster, Bath-each one takes something out of you," he said.
Week off provides chance to regroup
With a week's rest before their final two league games, Exeter will look to recharge before their push for the top four. Baxter suggested the break could help the team reset after a demanding period.
