Sharks battle past Chiefs in thrilling finale to claim third and set up semi-final trip to Leicester
Sale Sharks knew what was at stake heading into their final regular-season fixture at Sandy Park. A win would guarantee a top-four finish, and potentially a top-three spot. What they didn’t expect was to be dragged into a heart-stopping dogfight by an Exeter Chiefs side desperate to go out swinging.
In the end, Sale edged it—just. Their 30–26 victory over Exeter was as tense as it was breathless, but it was enough. Enough to clinch third place in the Premiership table. Enough to book a play-off semi-final away at Leicester. And just enough to keep their title hopes alive.
Flying start but frantic finish
The Sharks stormed into a 20–5 half-time lead, punishing Exeter’s early indiscipline and showcasing a ruthlessness that had been growing all season. But this was no procession. What followed was a second-half siege from the Chiefs that pushed Sale to their physical and mental limits.
The drama started early. George Ford nudged Sale ahead with a penalty in the opening minute, capitalising on Exeter’s slow start. The home side looked lively with ball in hand, and when Paul Brown-Bampoe finished off a slick move in the 20th minute, the Chiefs took a brief 5–3 lead.
But that advantage evaporated almost instantly. Ford’s boot restored Sale’s lead, and then came the fireworks.
Ma’asi-White and Rodd turn the tide
With their offloading game purring, Sale tore through the Exeter defence twice in the space of eight minutes. First it was centre Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, whose clever support line and sharp finish capped a flowing attack. Then Bevan Rodd powered under the posts after excellent work from Ford and Arron Reed.
By the time Exeter’s Ethan Roots was sin-binned for collapsing a maul just before the break, Sale were cruising. At 20–5 up and a man to the good, Alex Sanderson’s side looked to have one foot in the play-offs.
But if there’s one thing Sandy Park has taught us over the years, it’s that the Chiefs rarely go quietly.
Exeter roar back in the second half
Down to 14 men, Exeter emerged from the break swinging. They battered away at the Sale line, and when Ma’asi-White was sent to the sin bin after repeated infringements, the balance shifted. Josh Hodge pounced almost immediately, scoring in the right corner to give the home fans belief.
A third penalty from Ford momentarily steadied the ship for Sale, but the Chiefs came again. Will Haydon-Wood, on as a replacement, finished off a flowing sequence started by Hodge and Henry Slade to bring Exeter within four points.
Then came the game’s biggest moment of controversy. Dan Frost looked to have completed the comeback when he crashed over the line, but replays showed a knock-on just before grounding. No try. Sale breathed again.
Cowan-Dickie returns to haunt his old club
When the pressure mounted, Sale turned to a familiar face—one Exeter fans know all too well. Luke Cowan-Dickie, a long-time Chief before his move north, barrelled over from close range to restore a double-digit lead with 12 minutes remaining. The try felt like a dagger—both symbolic and crucial.
Yet still, Exeter refused to fold. Even when Gus Warr’s potentially game-sealing score was chalked off for a dangerous tackle in the build-up—and the scrum-half sent to the bin—the hosts stayed in it. Jimmy Roots, on for the Chiefs, was held up over the line from the resulting penalty, summing up just how fine the margins were.
Eventually, Richard Capstick gave Exeter their fifth try of the afternoon after classy interplay from Slade and Tamati Tua. It closed the gap to four points once more with just three minutes left—but it was too little, too late.
Sale had done just enough.
Ford’s composure, Chiefs’ spirit
George Ford was instrumental for Sale, kicking three penalties and two conversions, dictating tempo, and linking beautifully with his backline. His decision-making, especially during the moments of Exeter resurgence, was vital in helping the Sharks navigate through patches of pressure.
On the other side, Exeter’s young guns showed heart and potential. Hodge was electric. Slade, as ever, was the orchestrator. And the replacements—Haydon-Wood and Capstick in particular—brought a fresh spark. They finish the season outside the play-offs, but with two losing bonus points and their pride intact.
What it means for the play-offs
Sale’s reward for their narrow win? A daunting trip to Welford Road to face second-placed Leicester in next week’s semi-finals. The Tigers took care of business with a routine victory over bottom club Newcastle, setting up a heavyweight clash.
For Sale, momentum is building. They’re not perfect—far from it—but they’re battle-hardened, resilient, and full of match-winners. If they can sharpen up their discipline and maintain their attacking rhythm, they’ll be a dangerous outfit in the knockouts.
Exeter, meanwhile, bow out with heads held high. They played some of their best rugby of the season in that second half, and although their campaign ends here, the future looks bright with a core of exciting talent and a refreshed identity
