Dominant Performances: Exeter Chiefs and Newcastle Falcons Secure Premiership Rugby Cup Quarter-Finals

Exeter Chiefs and Newcastle Falcons have stormed into the quarter-finals of the Premiership Rugby Cup, both maintaining perfect records in the group stage with five consecutive wins.

Exeter Chiefs' Commanding Victory

Exeter Chiefs delivered a powerful performance against Cornish Pirates, triumphing 43-7 and securing the top spot in Pool E. The game saw Paul Brown-Bampoe emerge as the star player, scoring an impressive four tries, including a hat-trick in the second half. This performance propelled Exeter from a modest 10-7 halftime lead to a dominant victory. Richard Capstick, Tommy Wyatt, and Ethan Roots also contributed with tries, while Tom Georgiou managed the only try for the Pirates in the first half.

Newcastle Falcons' Overwhelming Success

Newcastle Falcons continued their stellar form by completely outclassing Caldy with a 73-12 victory, ensuring their position as Pool A winners. Despite an initial surprise lead by Caldy through Will Robinson, the Falcons quickly took control. Jamie Blamire, Nathan Greenwood, Freddie Lockwood, and Joe Davis each scored two tries, while Adam Brocklebank, Connor Doherty, and Reuben Parsons added to the tally, making it a total of 11 tries for the Falcons.

What’s Next?

The victories place both teams in the quarter-finals, alongside Bath and Harlequins. The remaining four spots in the quarter-finals will be determined next weekend, setting the stage for more thrilling rugby action.

Disappointment for Caldy and Cornish Pirates

On the other end of the spectrum, Caldy and Cornish Pirates faced tough campaigns, finishing at the bottom of their respective groups without a win in all five matches. These results highlight the competitive edge of the Premiership Rugby Cup and the challenges faced by teams outside the top tier.

Both Exeter and Newcastle have demonstrated that despite their struggles in the regular Premiership, they remain formidable contenders in the cup competition. Their performances have set the tone for an exciting knockout stage, promising more highlights and intense rugby battles ahead.