EXETER head coach Ali Hepher offered an explanation as to why Chiefs have missed out on a play-off for the first time since 2015.
“We’ve had a lot thrown at us this season and at times we found it hard to believe we were still in the mix,” he said.
“With a run of injuries and international call-ups, we had to play props and hookers in the back five, which has never happened before.
“You don’t throw away a winning formula that has served us so well in the past six years but it may need some fine tinkering as we have learnt a lot from this season.
“Today was harem scarem but even thou...