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          European Rugby Champions Cup 2018
          Montpellier HeraultMontpellier HeraultMON
          24
          22/10FT
          27
          Exeter ChiefsExeter ChiefsEXE
          • Joseph Tomane(7')
          • Benoit Paillaugue(25')
          • Nemani Nadolo(40', 46')
          • Benoit Paillaugue(41', 47')
          • Don Armand(18', 64')
          • Ian Whitten(43')
          • Gareth Steenson(19', 44', 65')
          • Gareth Steenson(21', 72')
          • SummarySummary
          • ReportReport
          • CommentaryCommentary
          • Match StatsMatch Stats
          • Player StatsPlayer Stats
          • LineupsLineups
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          Late Gareth Steenson penalty gives Exeter fine victory at Montpellier

          Exeter centre Ian Whitten scored a fine try at the start of the second half. David Rogers/Getty Images
          • PA Sport
          Multiple Authors
          Oct 23, 2017, 01:23 AM
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          Exeter Chiefs made it back-to-back Champions Cup wins as they claimed a famous 27-24 victory away to French giants Montpellier.

          Don Armand scored a try in each half while centre Ian Whitten also added a try as Gareth Steenson kicked three conversions and two penalties for the best European result in Exeter's history.

          Nemani Nadolo crossed twice for Montpellier and Joe Tomane and Benoit Paillaugue also added scores, but it was not enough to stop Rob Baxter's men from celebrating.

          The home side secured two points for scoring four tries and finishing within seven of Exeter, but it is the English outfit and Leinster who are both unbeaten in Pool Three.

          Irish assistant referee Joy Neville became the first female official to be involved in a Champions Cup clash when the game kicked off, but it was not long before Montpellier moved ahead.

          Australian centre Tomane was the scorer, hacking on a loose ball and making his way to the line. The score was awarded by the television match official who judged there to be no knock-on, but Ruan Pienaar was unable to add the extras.

          Exeter were determined to attack and their approach paid off when Armand powered over from close range between the posts. Steenson converted, and the visitors' impressive start continued.

          Nadolo produced one of the finishes of the season to score his first try. David Rogers/Getty Images

          An electric Henry Slade break put them on the front foot and with Thomas Waldrom in support, home full-back Jesse Mogg was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on.

          To make matters worse for Montpellier, Mogg collided with Pienaar who had to be taken from the field on a stretcher wearing a neck brace. Steenson kicked the penalty.

          Down to 14, Montpellier hit back. Their giant pack pounded away and the ball was spread left where Paillaugue dived over. There was still time too for Nadolo to finish acrobatically in the corner on the verge of the break and Paillaugue's conversion put the home side 17-10 up.

          Exeter could not have wished for a better start to the second half as Whitten smashed his way through following an impressive backs move and Steenson tied the scores with the extras.

          A thrilling game continued with Nadolo crossing for his second and Montpellier's bonus-point score with Paillaugue once again kicking the goal.

          Buoyed by their bench and with Slade impressing, Armand then made it two for the day after Exeter withheld a pounding from the home pack. The try was a replica of Armand's first and Steenson converted to make it 24-24. It left the game in the balance, but Exeter's effort was remarkable with their replacement front row impressing.

          Steenson controlled things expertly and after his pack secured a 72nd-minute penalty, the fly-half did the rest to send Exeter's impressive travelling support into dreamland.

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          Standings

          Pool 1
          RTeamGPPDP
          1GLA4+4920
          2STA4+9412
          3SAL4-3811
          4SAR4+1310
          5SHA4-1010
          6ASM4-1080
          Pool 2
          RTeamGPPDP
          1BAT4+9116
          2RC4+1714
          3CAS4-810
          4EDI4-7110
          5MUN4-28
          6GLO4-276
          Pool 3
          RTeamGPPDP
          1LEI4+3518
          2HAR4+9815
          3STO4-814
          4LEI4+36
          5STA4-136
          6BAY4-1150
          Pool 4
          RTeamGPPDP
          1UNI4+7620
          2NOR4+4616
          3BRI4+5014
          4BUL4-687
          5SEC4-506
          6SCA4-543
          Full Table

          European Rugby Champions Cup 2018 News

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          • La Rochelle edge Leinster again to win back-to-back European crowns

            La Rochelle became the fifth team to win back-to-back European Champions Cups on Saturday when they clawed back a 17-point deficit to beat Leinster 27-26 at the Aviva Stadium in another breathless final between the sides.

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