Racing 92 fought back from behind to snatch a late draw with Exeter, as the English side, heavily rotated, conceded a stoppage-time try to end with a 31-31 scoreline in the European Challenge Cup.
Racing 92 opened the scoring in Paris when Kelo Labarbe crossed early, but Exeter responded through Martin Moloney and Kane James to move in front at 14-7 midway through the first half.
Fijian winger Selestino Ravutaumada reduced the deficit for the hosts, yet Exeter replied with tries from Lewis Pearson and Rusi Tuima to carry a 21-12 lead into halftime, earning a valuable bonus point in the process.
In the second half, Exeter defended stoutly and withstood Racing’s pressure until 15 minutes from the end, when Taofifenua scampered over from close range after Tuima was sin-binned.
Ben Coen then stretched Exeter’s lead with a penalty with around 10 minutes remaining, giving them some breathing room.
However, Nolann Donguy touched down unconverted for Racing with seven minutes left, following a yellow card for Greg Fisilau, narrowing the gap to three points.
Exeter clung to their advantage as the clock ticked down, but Racing methodically worked their way to the Chiefs’ line and, in the final seconds, Antoine Latrasse barged over under the posts. Prisciantelli’s successful conversion after the siren completed the comeback for Racing.
Exeter finish the match in second place in their pool on eight points, two points behind leaders Stade Français after two rounds. Only Charlie Chapman survived from the side that beat the Cheetahs at Sandy Park, as Exeter rested several international players ahead of a crucial Premiership trip to Saracens next weekend.
Racing made four changes to a relatively inexperienced team that had been beaten heavily by Ulster in their previous outing, bringing back France centre Gael Fickou among others. The hosts started brightly with an early takeaway stop from Dan John on Lebarbe’s breakthrough, and Labarbe’s try soon followed after Prisciantelli raced forward down the right.
Exeter struck back quickly as Moloney crossed the whitewash under the posts, with James crossing again six minutes later after a similar surge.
Ravutaumada’s try in the left corner just before the break briefly shifted momentum, but Pearson extended Exeter’s advantage by finishing Tuima’s break shortly before halftime.
Racing then introduced internationals Taofifenua, Gogichashvili, Habosi and Tagitagivalu to lift the tempo after the restart, but Exeter’s defense held firm until the final 15 minutes.
Tuima was yellow-carded for a maul infringement, and Taofifenua’s close-range try widened Racing’s gap to three. Coen’s reliable boot kept Exeter in front, yet Fisilau departed after a high tackle on Gaël Fickou, temporarily leaving them a man down.
Donguy’s late corner finish followed a swift line-out, and Exeter’s spirits faded as Racing’s powerful pack surged over in stoppage time to grab the equalising try by Latrasse, with Prisciantelli converting.
Racing 92: Prisciantelli; Donguy, Fickou, Manu, Ravutaumada; Gibert, Labarbe; Jabea Njocke, Basse, Kharaishvili, Kpoku, Rowlands, Sanconnie, Lainault, Zinzen.
Replacements: Leota, Gogichashvili, Bamba, Taofifenua, Tagitagivalu, Albuisson, Latrasse, Habosi.
Exeter: Haydon-Wood; John, Ascherl, Rigg, Ridl; Coen, Chapman; Burger, Heaven, J. Roots, Pearson, Tuima, Capstick, Moloney, James.
Replacements: Dweba, Goodrick-Clarke, Mona, Beckerleg, E. Roots, Fisilau, Cairns, Batson.
Yellow cards: Tuima (63), Fisilau (72)
Referee: Federico Vedovelli
