Exeter Chiefs' head coach Rob Baxter has come to the defense of centre Henry Slade following his missed kicks in a narrow 40-34 defeat to Bath Rugby. In a match filled with excitement, Slade struggled with his kicking, missing two conversions in the first half and hitting the post with a crucial penalty late in the game.

Despite the disappointment, Baxter emphasized the importance of moving on from these missed opportunities. He noted that Slade has been a reliable kicker for the Chiefs in the past, often stepping up in critical moments.

• Key Moments in the Match:
  • Slade missed two first-half conversions.
  • He hit the post with a late penalty attempt.
  • Teammate Harvey Skinner successfully kicked a 79th-minute penalty, securing a losing bonus point for Exeter.

Baxter stated, "I think we've been very fortunate with Henry over the years, but particularly last year. You think how many clutch kicks in big games he's knocked over for us. The most important thing for him is he shakes it off."

He further suggested that Slade might benefit more from relaxing with teammates rather than practicing immediately after the match. Baxter remains confident in Slade's abilities, asserting that he is too talented for this to become a lingering issue.