Exeter sweat over star fullback Stuart Hogg after starring performance against Gloucester
- 2791
Exeter Chiefs' claimed a bonus-point victory over Gloucester on Wednesday as Rob Baxter's side continued their unbeaten run since the resumption of the Premiership.
However, their victory may have come at a high cost for both Rob Baxter's men as well as Gregor Townsend's side with the upcoming resumption of the Six Nations and Eight Nations competition.
Stuart Hogg limped gingerly out of the fray in the 56th minute. Exeter have a Champions Cup quarter-final against Northampton coming up and Hogg will be assessed with the forward's coach, Rob Hunter, insisting he had been withdrawn as a precaution: “We are being fairly cautious. We won’t take any risks and will see where he is at.”
It is unclear how long or even if Hogg will be sidelined, but it was a harsh blow for Hogg who was having another excellent game for Exeter. The 28-year-old fullback made 92 running metres beating four defenders and making three clean breaks.
The Scottish International made an excellent break shortly before running from 22 to 22.
Luke Cowan-Dickie continued his fine run of try scoring form dotting down in the third minute to put Exeter in the lead with Matt Banahan responding five minutes later.
Billy Twelvetrees put Gloucester in front in the 23rd minute but that would be the last time Gloucester led.
Sam Simmonds powered over before the half hour mark before Gloucester were punished for their ill dicsipline with Charlie Beckett going to the sin bin.
Jonny Hill forced his way over the line to make it 21-9 at the break with Ian Whitten extending the lead just two minutes into the second half as Exeter led by 20.
Joe Simmonds grabbed a try for himself which he converted before a flourish from Gloucester saw them score through Matt Banahan and Josh Gray to make the scoreboard look far more respectable.
Exeter have a date with Saracens at Allianz Park and host London Irish before clashing with Northampton.