Summary

  • Saracens overcome Ospreys to reach European Champions Cup quarter-finals

  • Ospreys led at half-time but Saracens scored three tries in second half

  • Saracens travel to champions La Rochelle next Sunday

  • Exeter Chiefs beat French champions Montpellier on try countback to reach last eight

  • Chiefs score converted try in final minute of extra time to level incredible match 33-33

  • Montpellier's English number eight Zach Mercer sent off in second half

  • Exeter host South African side Stormers on Saturday

  1. Postpublished at 21 mins

    Exeter 0-12 Montpellier

    The pink shirts of Exeter are banging on the door now. They have been much better since conceding that second try.

  2. Postpublished at 17 mins

    Exeter 0-12 Montpellier

    Exeter start to build some pressure but Henry Slade is penalised for charging into the ruck off his feet.

    He acknowledges his mistake and apologises to his teammates but that's a let off for the Top 14 side.

  3. Postpublished at 15 mins

    Exeter 0-12 Montpellier

    Jannes Kirsten gains his revenge by charging through Henry Thomas in midfield.

    It's a physical European tie with no quarter being given.

  4. Postpublished at 13 mins

    Exeter 0-12 Montpellier

    Wallop!

    Jannes Kirsten is a big man but he's forced to take a seat after coming off worse in an attempted tackle on Ro Dakuwaqa.

    Only one winner there.

  5. Postpublished at 10 mins

    Exeter 0-12 Montpellier

    Exeter are trying to get a foothold in the game and Dan Frost drives them forward.

    But as they try to keep the ball alive in the contact, it's knocked on and the chance disappears.

    The crowd are trying to lift their team.

  6. try

    Try - Exeter 0-12 Montpellierpublished at 7 mins

    Vincent Rattez

    Big problems for Exeter.

    Montpellier put up a high kick and Tom Wyatt knocks on.

    The visitors regather the loose ball and move it left for Ben Lam to make some valuable metres, and then right for a simple run in for Vincent Rattez.

    Paolo Garbisi cannot add the extras but Montpellier are flying.

  7. try

    Converted Try - Exeter 0-7 Montpellierpublished at 4 mins

    Curtis Langdon (con Paolo Garbisi)

    He's only just come on.

    Curtis Langdon is an early replacement for Brandon Paenga-Amosa and he throws in at the line-out before joining the attack when the ball is recycled.

    It finds its way to the hooker out wide who powers his way to the line.

    Paolo Garbisi adds the conversion. Montpellier have started brightly.

    Langdon powers through Exeter's defenceImage source, Getty Images
  8. Postpublished at 2 mins

    Exeter 0-0 Montpellier

    Montpellier look to build some early momentum as Zach Mercer spins out of a tackle.

    A loose pass is spilled forward and Exeter can relieve the pressure.

  9. Kick-offpublished at 12:31 British Summer Time 2 April 2023

    Exeter 0-0 Montpellier

    We are up and running in the sunshine at Sandy Park.

  10. Postpublished at 12:31 British Summer Time 2 April 2023

    Exeter v Montpellier (12:30 BST)

    Just one change for Exeter to update you on.

    Ollie Olly Woodburn is replaced by Rory O'Loughlin on the wing.

  11. Tune in!published at 12:28 British Summer Time 2 April 2023

    Exeter v Montpellier (12:30 BST)

    BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

    As well as this thrilling live text, you can listen to full match commentary over on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra.

    Just click the link at the top of this page.

  12. 'I was so angry'published at 12:26 British Summer Time 2 April 2023

    Exeter v Montpellier (12:30 BST)

    Speaking to BT Sport, Exeter's director of rugby Rob Baxter said: "The key for me today is for the lads to get in the dressing room and be proud of themselves, that is key for me after last week because I was so angry."

    Rob BaxterImage source, Getty Images
  13. The drawpublished at 12:21 British Summer Time 2 April 2023

    Exeter v Montpellier (12:30 BST)

    So how are we looking in the tournament?

    Home wins from the first five games in the round of 16 have left us with this scenario in the quarter-finals.

    champions cup

    Exeter or Montpellier will face Stormers in the last eight, while defending champions La Rochelle will host Saracens or Ospreys.

    Leinster will play Leicester and Toulouse will have to beat the Bulls to prevent an all South African tie with the Sharks.

  14. Stormers lie in waitpublished at 12:15 British Summer Time 2 April 2023

    Exeter v Montpellier (12:30 BST)

    The winners will face South African side Stormers in the quarter-finals.

    The Stormers reached the last eight for the first time despite three late Harlequins tries in Cape Town.

    In a blistering start, the hosts' Deon Fourie and Alex Dombrandt of Quins exchanged tries before Steven Kitshoff re-established Stormers' lead.

    Fourie doubled his tally before Damian Willemse's finish and a Willie Engelbrecht score added the gloss.

    Dombrandt, Andre Esterhuizen and Joe Marchant scored late consolations.

    Read more here.

    WillemseImage source, Getty Images
  15. Stooke and Mercer start for Montpellierpublished at 12:11 British Summer Time 2 April 2023

    Exeter v Montpellier (12:30 BST)

    French side Montpellier have played Exeter four times in the last four years, with the team playing at home winning on each occasion.

    The visitors name former England lock Elliott Stooke in their starting XV, with another Englishman Zach Mercer at number eight.

    Cobus Reinach will play at scrum-half and Italy's Paolo Garbisi will lead the attack from fly-half.

    Montpellier: Bouthier (c); Lam, Darmon, Serfontein, Rattez; Garbisi, Reinach; Forletta, Paenga-Amosa, Thomas, Stooke, Duguid, Van Rensburg, Dakuwaqa, Mercer.

    Replacements: Langdon, Lamositele, Haouas, Nouchi, Coly, Carbonel, Bridge, Tauleigne.

  16. Chiefs make six changespublished at 12:06 British Summer Time 2 April 2023

    Exeter v Montpellier (12:30 BST)

    Exeter Chiefs have made six changes to the side beaten by Bath for their Heineken Champions Cup last-16 tie with Montpellier at Sandy Park.

    Jonny Gray and Jannes Kirsten come into the pack, with a new half-back pairing of Will Becconsall and Joe Simmonds.

    Sean O'Brien starts at inside centre and Tom Wyatt make his first European appearance at full-back.

    Exeter: Wyatt; Nowell (c), Slade, O'Brien, Woodburn; J Simmonds, Becconsall; Sio, Frost, Street, Gray, Jenkins, Kirsten, Tshiunza, S Simmonds.

    Replacements: Yeandle, Hepburn, Iosefa-Scott, Davis, Ewers, Cairns, Skinner, Hodge

  17. Anglo-French rivalry renewedpublished at 12:00 British Summer Time 2 April 2023

    Exeter v Montpellier (12:30 BST)

    Exeter have been here before...

    ExeterImage source, Getty Images

    Standing in their way today is Montpellier...

    MontpellierImage source, Getty Images

    Kick off at Sandy Park is at 12:30 BST with a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup at stake...