Champions Cup round-up: Exeter Chiefs seal knockout spot in dramatic win, Bristol Bears suffer qualification setback

Exeter Chiefs booked their spot in the Investec Champions Cup last 16 in dramatic fashion as Glasgow Warriors were denied a famous victory with a last-gasp try chalked off.

The Chiefs trailed from the 10th minute and left it late to pounce back with their chances of joining Northampton Saints in securing a spot in the next round slowly fading.

Rob Baxter’s side finally went ahead for the first time in the 77th minute when Zak Wimbush’s try and Henry Slade’s subsequent conversion gave them a 19-17 lead with minutes left on the clock.

With seconds remaining, George Horne forced an error out of Ross Vincent from an Exeter scrum as Glasgow looked to have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat through Euan Ferrie - who thought he had scored his first career try.

However, in a heartbreaking moment for the visitors, referee Pierre Brousset controversially made the decision to chalk the try off because Ferrie had released from his bind.

There was uproar from the Glasgow dugout over the decision as Ethan Roots appeared to have done the same.

The game ended in the Chiefs' favour which means they confirmed their spot in the last 16, while the Warriors’ qualification hopes remain intact after picking up a losing bonus point.

Bristol Bears suffered a setback to their chances of progressing and remain fifth in Pool A after a 31-12 home defeat to Vodacom Bulls - the Bulls’ largest-ever victory in the Champions Cup

Johan Goosen’s 40-metre penalty put the Bulls ahead before he was sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knock.

But in his absence, the visitors extended their lead when Sergeal Petersen found room to score the first try, followed by David Kriel's conversion for a 10-0 lead.

Kieran Marmion got Bristol on the board to move within three points, but second-half tries from Khutha Mchunu, Elrigh Louw and Jan-Hendrik Wessels earned them a five-point win.

It was a disappointing day for Pat Lam’s side, who would have overtaken fellow Premiership outfit Saracens and moved into the qualification spots.

However, they remain in fifth place while Saracens will have the chance to extend their lead when they travel to second-place Bordeaux Begles on Sunday.

Munster overcame Toulon to secure their first win of the Champions Cup campaign and bolster their chances of reaching the knockout stages.

It was a nightmare start for the Irish side, who fell behind by 10 points after an early penalty from Melvyn Jaminet and a try from Duncan Paia'aua.

Jack Crowley got Munster on the board with a penalty as the visitors were primed for a comeback, which Alex Nankivell completed four minutes later with a try as they drew level.

Munster fell behind again to a penalty on the brink of half-time, but a stunning Jack Crowley kick gifted Simon Zebo the opportunity to score under the posts.

Tom Ahern extended their lead to 22-13 before Cornell du Preez pulled a try back, but a fantastic finish from Calvin Nash put Munster in the clear once more as they went on to seal the points.

Harlequins booked their place in the last 16 with a statement 54-15 victory on the road against Cardiff Rugby.

Jack Walker, Andre Esterhuizen, Will Evans, Oscar Beard, Marcus Smith, Dillon Lewis and Tyrone Green were all on the scoresheet.

Fin Baxter, 21, scored his debut Champions Cup try, while Thomas Young was on the board twice for Cardiff.

Elsewhere, there is still hope of qualification for Sale Sharks, who were beaten 31-24 by Stomers.

The South African outfit got points on the board through first-half tries from Hacjivah Dayimani and Suleiman Hartzenberg.

Jonny Hill got Sale back in the game when he raced clear, but Leolin Zas extended Stormers' lead.

Agustin Creevy’s effort kept Sale in the game, while Sam Bedlow's late try saved a losing point after a second try from Zas had put the game to bed.

Sale can still advance to the next round but will drop out of the qualification spots if La Rochelle beat Leicester Tigers on Sunday.

In Pool 1, Lyon beat Connacht 34-20 to secure their place in the net round, while the Irish side remained rooted to the bottom of the group.

Meanwhile, Leinster thrashed last place Stade Francis 43-7 to extend their lead at the top of Pool 4 and confirm their spot in the round of 16.

Toulouse made a statement in Pool 2 to beat Ulster 48-24 and consolidate their position at the top of the group.

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