Leicester's Harry Thacker looks to have touched down from the back of the driving maul, but it's close. It is a stunning tackle from Geoff Parling if he has stopped this.

Excellent decision from Freddie Burns as he spots that there is space in behind Exeter from turnover ball.

The Chiefs can only run it into touch and Leicester have a line-out drive opportunity from five metres out...

First time we've seen Manu Tuilagi running with the ball and making serious metres, but it is all made from a stunning offload from Lachlan McCaffrey.

Tuilagi's pass then is not quite where he wanted it as Peter Betham is forced to turn backwards to take it and the move comes to nothing.

It remains all square as Tommy Bell's radar was quite off there from a good distance out.

Interesting that he was taking that kick instead of fly-half Freddie Burns though.

The Leicester crowd are going mad for a deliberate knock-on from Matt Jess as they attack, but in fairness the Exeter winger appeared to be stretching for the ball. 

Tommy Bell lines up the resultant penalty...

We're halfway through the first half and already the referee is having to lay down the law at the scrum.

Eventually both packs get it right, Leicester work it to Manu Tuilagi on the crash ball and it takes two players to bring him down.

The Tigers then launch an up-and-under which James Short knocks on and, oh good, another scrum...

Image source, Getty Images

He scored all 19 points against Leicester in November as Exeter won at Sandy Park, and Gareth Steenson gets going for today.

Not the cleanest of strikes but he is off the mark. All square.

On a pitch which has more spots of brown than green on it, Freddie Burns is successful from the tee from his first attempt.

Leicester have edged possession in the opening and just about deserve that.

The line speed from both teams has been impressive so far, as are the hits.

A spectacle for the purists this one... but then Leicester get the first penalty in a kickable position.

Neither side has had a sniff of the try line yet.

Kicking for territory and mean defence has been served up for the starter in this first 10 minutes. 

That's not to say it has been a dull affair, but I'm hoping the main course is going to include some points.

First sight of Manu Tuilagi as he smashes into Phil Dollman chasing a kick. Groans from the size of that hit around Welford Road. The England centre does really well to win the ball back but Exeter turn it over from the next ruck and clear.

Big hit from Leicester full-back Tommy Bell on Gareth Steenson, as the Tigers man chases his own kick.

We've got the usual nonsense at scrum time as the referee tries to set the tone... and he gives a free-kick to Leicester as Exeter tried to pre-engage.

Image source, PA

Open start this from both sides.

A Jack Yeandle carry takes Exeter into the Leicester 22 but a spill allows a couple of Leicester phases to take them to the edge of the Chiefs' 22.

Tom Croft looks like he is about to burst away but is pulled back as the pass to him was deemed forward.

Exeter's Gareth Steenson gets the nod from referee Matthew Carley and we're off and running.

Jack Yeandle leads out Exeter in their changed strip of all white at Welford Road.

A minute late, Ed Slater leads his troops out to big cheers and we're moments away from kick-off.

Seems like fancy dress is the order of the day at Welford Road if these pictures are anything to go by...

Image source, PA

Image source, PA

One man I'm sure would love to be out there on the Welford Road pitch for Exeter today is England centre Henry Slade.

The 22-year-old is currently out with a broken leg, but has sent his support to the team via the method of Twitter.