Gloucester's head coach, Johan Ackermann was delighted as he saw his side turn around a 23-6 defeat at Sandy Park only a fortnight ago.

Gloucester were deserved winners with tries from Willi Heinz, Jaco Visagie and Ben Morgan. Danny Cipriani kicked two penalties and two conversions with Billy Twelvetrees adding a conversion.

Exeter's tries came from Nic White, Tom Lawday and Don Armand, with Gareth Steenson adding two conversions, but it was not enough to secure a single point so they remain at the bottom of Pool 2 with only three points from their first three games.

He said: "We were much better and learnt to be more patient and today, unlike then, a few things went our way.

"We matched them for territory and possession and our set piece functioned well but the boys said it is one of the most physical games that they have ever played in.

"We started badly in both halves but I was particularly pleased that we didn't panic when things were going against us.

"The team has grown tremendously in fronting up against setbacks and the players now have more belief, as last season we conceded 50 points at Saracens in the second half when we were in contention at half-time so hopefully we are closing gaps."

Gloucester now face Exeter in the return fixture at Kingsholm, a task which Ackermann accepted would be daunting.

"If we lose next week no-one will talk about this game but it gives our guys self-belief although we will have to knuckle down as we are expecting a big backlash next Friday for they are a very good side," he added.