Michael Cheika's tenure as Leicester Tigers head coach began with a thrilling 17-14 victory over Exeter Chiefs, marked by a last-minute try from Tommy Reffell. The match saw Leicester overcoming adversity after flanker Solomone Kata received a red card for a high tackle, yet they held their composure to secure the win. Exeter initially took the lead with tries from Greg Fisilau and Tom Cairns, but Leicester fought back with scores from Hanro Liebenberg and key contributions from Jamie Shillcock, who added a drop-goal. Cheika emphasized the importance of patience and defending under pressure, which ultimately paid off for the Tigers. The win is seen as a positive start for Cheika, who aims to revive the club's fortunes after a disappointing previous season. This match also highlighted the competitive nature of the Gallagher Premiership as teams continue to vie for early-season success.