Rob Baxter questions Exeter defence after ‘stressful’ Newcastle win

Rob Baxter criticised Exeter Chiefs’ defensive energy despite their first Premiership victory of the season, admitting the 34–28 win over Newcastle Red Bulls had been a stressful watch.

Chiefs scored five tries at Sandy Park on Sunday but needed a late Bachuki Tchumbadze score to settle a contest in which the lead repeatedly changed hands.

Baxter said his side created chances effectively but were too slow to get back into position after tackles, allowing Newcastle to keep testing them.

“My wife telephoned me after the game and said that was bloody stressful and I agree with her,” he told PA, in comments carried by RugbyPass.

Rob Baxter wants greater control from Exeter

Baxter felt the tight scoreline affected Exeter’s decision-making, with pressure leading them away from straightforward options.

There was an improvement after the interval, however, as Newcastle managed only one second-half try.

Ross Vintcent scored twice for Exeter, with Sam Harris and Henry Slade also crossing before Tchumbadze’s decisive intervention in the 76th minute.

For Newcastle, Christian Wade’s hat-trick took him to 100 Premiership tries, one short of Chris Ashton’s record.

The visitors collected two bonus points. Their director of rugby, Dan McFarland, took encouragement from the attacking approach despite the defeat, while acknowledging errors had cost them opportunities after half-time.