Bath 26-27 Exeter result - Gallagher PREM play-off result as Ethan Burger try seals stunning comeback win at defending champions

PREM / Semi-final

The Rec / 13.06.2026

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Highlights: Bath 26-27 Exeter

Highlights: Exeter seal dramatic comeback victory over Bath to set up Northampton final

Video credit: TNT Sports

17:45

EXETER END BATH'S TITLE DEFENCE WITH STUNNING RECOVERY

Exeter Chiefs came from 26-10 behind at the break to complete a stunning 27-26 play-off win at defending champions Bath before a packed Recreation Ground.

Ethan Burger's winning try on 68 minutes deprived Bath of a third straight final appearance with the Chiefs progressing to a final meeting with Northampton Saints at Allianz Stadium Twickenham on Saturday.

The home side, roared on by a huge support in the Somerset sun, appeared to be coasting to the victory with tries from Beno Obano (12'), Thomas du Toit (20'), Joe Cokanasiga (28') and Henry Arundell (33') giving Bath a merited advantage.

But the Chiefs, who saw Christ Tshiunza score a superb solo try on 25 minutes, took complete charge after the interval with Bath's front row buckling as Ben Hammersley (51'), Greg Fisilau (56') and Ethan Burger (68') sealed a memorable triumph.

Bath still had the chance to seal the win in the last move of the match.

But Vilikesa Sela was held up on the line by some ferocious Chiefs resistance when they refused what appeared to be the easier option in setting Santiago Carreras up for a winning drop goal in front of the posts.

There were two yellow cards in the match, Henry Slade in the first half for slapping the ball down and, perhaps most crucially, for Cokanasiga on 64 minutes for a deliberate knock-on with his side clinging to a 26-22 lead.

While Bath must reflect on what went wrong, Exeter and Northampton will chase a third Gallagher PREM title with Saints the favourites following their superb 45-31 win over Leicester on Friday night.

Exeter with 'the defence of their lives' to hold off Bath and reach PREM final

Video credit: TNT Sports

17:40

ROB BAXTER: I FANCIED CHIEFS TO WIN AT THE BREAK

”The first words I said to the boys at half-time was I was confident that we would win the game," said the Exeter chief on TNT Sports.

"I watched the last five minutes of the first half and Bath were doing everything to slow the tempo down. I think we worked them very hard for the scores they got, and I knew we had time in the second half.

"I know we are resilient, and I know we are fit. Bath got their momentum in the first half through winning the scraps and the set-piece.

"Once we started coming up with the scraps and the set-piece the game just flipped.

"That is the beauty of the set-piece and aerial battle. The more the game had movement in it, the more it suited us."

17:29

DID BATH DROP THEIR TITLE DEFENCE WITH POOR DECISION-MAKING?

17:12

WATCH: WHY DID BATH NOT OPT FOR THE LATE DROP GOAL?

17:11

WHAT A GALLAGHER PREM FINAL WE HAVE ON THE CARDS!

80'

CHIEFS HAVE HELD IT UP!

What a finish! 40 phases of possession, but Bath can't finish off the move. Surely that was ripe for a drop goal? Incredible stuff. Can't believe Carreras was not handed the ball for a drop goal. A 27-26 win for Chiefs as Bath are punished for white line fever in the dying seconds.

'A play-off moment for the archives' - Tshiunza scores one of the great Gallagher PREM tries

Video credit: TNT Sports

79'

BATH HAVE THE BALL DEEP IN CHIEFS HALF

Huge pressure mounting here as Bath chase the final spot here and now. Exeter back deep. The match right on the line in front of the Exeter posts.

77'

FINN RUSSELL A HUGE MISS FOR BATH

What would he have brought to this contest? Well, I think you can see for yourself in the second half. Here come Bath with one final late charge.

75'

CHIEFS HAPPY TO SOAK UP POSSESSION

Alfie Barbeary looking to make something happen, but he loses the ball and Chiefs win the turnover. So close now to a remarkable victory on the road.

73'

BATH WILL SOON BE BACK TO 15

Joe Cokanasiga getting ready to return to the action. Which could yet be vital for Bath's prospects of pulling this match out of the fire. Perhaps Exeter will fancy a drop goal?

71'

BATH WIN A LINE-OUT TO HUGE ROARS

Can they find some decent ball in the final third as Arundell is called for a knock on with the ball coming down from the air with snow on it. A score either way now might yet win the day. Chiefs enjoy these scrums and stoppages against the 14 men.

69'

WHAT HAVE BATH GOT LEFT IN THE TANK?

Well, the collapse has been quite startling in this second half. Have been outplayed, but also have not really been able to fight fire with fire in the heat of Bath. The home side requiring a huge 10 minutes to regain the momentum.

67'

TRY! BATH 26-27 EXETER

Chiefs were so patient and the pressure counts as Burger pounces to give his side the lead. Slade then misses the conversion. Again. So no three-point lead. Huge moments.

66'

PENALTY TO THE CHIEFS!

Exeter are winning anything that moves out there as Bath are penalised for coming off their feet and Slade thumps the kick into the corner. A big line-out chance. Bath then offside as Chiefs try to move ahead here.

64'

ANOTHER HUGE CALL IN THIS MATCH

Cokanasiga has been sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes for a knock on. Bath's title hopes are right on the line now. Down to 14 men for 10 of the final 16 minutes.

63'

MOMENTUM IS SO KEY IN ANY SPORT

But Exeter have it all the moment as they earn another key scrum inside the home half.

62'

THOMAS DU TOIT DEPARTS THE SCENE FOR BATH

Giving a standing ovation by the home fans in what will be his final game at the Rec for Bath after three memorable years. He heads back to South Africa next season. Will he get a final farewell at Twickenham?

61'

CHIEFS BLISTERING AT THE SCRUMS

All working in unison at the moment. Bath looked so good in the first half, but a game doesn't last 40 minutes. And they have been ragged. Has been all about Exeter in the second period.

59'

WATCH: BIG BEN LEADS CHIEFS ON COMEBACK TRAIL AT BATH

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