Toulouse edge Exeter 43-40 despite Neti red card and Wimbush hat-trick

Toulouse overcame an early dismissal to beat Exeter Chiefs 43-40 in their Champions Cup pool match in France on Sunday. According to BBC Sport's match report, Henry Slade had an opportunity to secure a draw after time had expired, but his penalty attempt from around 40 metres missed, ending a contest in which both teams repeatedly surrendered the lead.

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Exeter wing Zack Wimbush scored three tries after coming into the starting side for the injured Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. His first arrived in the second minute, giving the visitors an immediate advantage. Toulouse answered through Ange Capuozzo and a penalty try, with Exeter full-back Sam Harris also receiving a yellow card. Those scores put the hosts 12-7 ahead before the game's first major disciplinary turning point.

Toulouse prop Rodrigue Neti was sent off in the 16th minute for shoulder-to-head contact in a tackle on Ross Vintcent. Exeter capitalised with Wimbush's second try, although the home side continued to threaten despite their numerical disadvantage. Joshua Brennan and Teddy Thomas both crossed for Toulouse, taking them 10 points clear as the first half continued to produce opportunities at either end.

Thomas then received a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on, leaving Exeter with a two-player advantage. Jack Yeandle and Stephen Varney scored as the visitors fought back, Varney touching down beneath the posts. Exeter reached half-time 26-24 ahead after a period containing eight tries, divided equally between the teams, as well as Neti's dismissal and the two temporary suspensions.

Will Butt extended Exeter's lead to nine points after the interval, scoring following a charge-down of Antoine Dupont's clearing kick. Toulouse responded again, however, with Matias Remue scoring twice and Romain Ntamack also crossing. Wimbush completed his hat-trick during the second half, but Exeter could not keep the hosts behind. Toulouse moved into their decisive lead while Exeter replacement Ben Hammersley was in the sin-bin.

The final penalty offered Slade one more chance to change the outcome after he had converted five of Exeter's six tries. His effort went wide, leaving Toulouse three points ahead at the finish. The result preserved victory for the six-time Champions Cup winners despite playing most of the match a man short, while Exeter's six-try performance and Wimbush's individual contribution were not enough to secure a win.