Exeter’s win over Leicester signals a new confidence
Greg Fisilau helped define Exeter Chiefs’ criteria for success as they dismissed Leicester Tigers and cemented momentum at a pivotal point in the Premiership season. The match wasn’t just a routine win; it was a statement that Exeter are ready to build on last season’s bruising campaign and accelerate toward the top of the table.
Fisilau’s influence: tone-setter for the home side
From the opening whistle, Fisilau’s energy set the tempo. His combination of pace, power and precision created scoring chances and put Leicester on the back foot. It wasn’t merely about finishing tries; it was about the way Exeter controlled territory, disrupted opponents, and dictated the pace of the game. Coaches and teammates quickly acknowledged that the young outside back’s performance wasn’t a single burst of brilliance but a clear signal of Exeter’s strategic direction for the rest of the season.
Coaching intent: building a robust all-round attack
Exeter’s attack looked sharper than in recent months, with quick ball, decisive running lines and intelligent support play. The coaching staff demonstrated a clear plan to keep the ball moving, stretch Leicester’s defense, and exploit gaps with well-timed offloads. This approach is designed to maximize the talents of the squad, while also strengthening the spine through renewed set-piece discipline and kicking strategy. The result was a multi-faceted performance that kept Leicester guessing and gave Exeter a blueprint for a sustained push up the standings.
Momentum: second place as a tangible target
After a tough previous season, where Exeter battled to stay competitive, reaching second in the Premiership table heading into 2026 represents a remarkable turnaround. The squad has shown resilience, depth and a belief in a longer-term plan. Momentum isn’t just about one win; it’s about consistency, injury management, and capitalising on each fixture to close the gap on leaders. Exeter’s current positioning reflects not only talent on the field but a culture that prioritises preparation, fitness, and intelligent game management.
Leicester’s challenge and what Exeter can learn
Leicester themselves remain a dangerous outfit with the quality to swing a match on key moments. For Exeter, the lesson is in sustaining high-intensity pressure across 80 minutes and ensuring that the work-rate translates into points. The encounter offered a reminder that even when a matchup is tight, a team like Exeter can impose its tempo and force errors when discipline and speed of decision-making are at their peak.
Looking ahead: a blueprint for a successful season
Exeter’s victory over Leicester is more than a single result; it’s a blueprint for what they want to become this season. Expect the Chiefs to continue blending youthful energy with experienced leadership, leaning on Fisilau’s breakout display while sharpening set-piece outcomes and defensive organisation. If the current trajectory holds, Exeter can build toward a sustained challenge for honours and cement a position in the top teams of the Premiership as 2026 unfolds.
What this means for fans and the squad
For supporters, the mood is one of cautious optimism rather than over-enthusiasm. The table is a reflection of real progress, not a fairytale moment. For the squad, there is now a heightened sense of purpose: every training session, every maul, and every breakout run contributes to a broader objective. In Greg Fisilau, Exeter appears to have found a spark plug who can lift performances across big matches, helping to drive the team toward a more consistent and complete season.
Conclusion: Exeter’s ascent continues
The Exeter Chiefs’ win over Leicester marks more than a notable result; it signals a shift in momentum and a clear path toward a top-tier finish. As 2026 approaches, the club will hope to maintain the intensity, grow the depth of quality across the squad, and keep faith in their plan as they chase ongoing success in the Premiership.
