Image source, Rex Features

Saracens have had a difficult few weeks during the Six Nations, with their side missing several internationals.

The likes of Billy Vunipola, Maro Itoje and George Kruis have helped transform their fortunes today.

Sarries have dominated possession and made 237 metres to just 39 from Exeter.

The hosts lead in carries too 71-22.

And they'll have the wind on their backs in the second half, as well.

It's a busy afternoon of Premiership action, with those in lower reaches of the table in action later today.

The rain is hammering in the west country as Gloucester prepare to host near neighbours Bath, while there are some swirling conditions at Sixways for Worcester v London Irish.

Insert awwwwww here for the efforts of Red Hill Primary School students for their Easter efforts for the matchday programme.

Image source, BBC Sport

Gareth Steenson is the leading points scorer in the Premiership this season, and with his two kicks he's brought up 200 points for the season.

His boot will be crucial in the second half if the league leaders are to mount a comeback.

And, with that, the half-time whistle is blown.

Saracens have been very much on top despite playing into the wind in the first half.

But two late Gareth Steenson penalties have brought Exeter back within touching distance at Allianz Park.

Not a classic first half, but intruiguing.

It's good!

Just inside his own half, Chiefs skipper Gareth Steenson nails the kick to give Exeter their second penalty of the afternoon.

The clock ticks over to 42 minutes and Exeter win a penalty from that scrum.

Gareth Steenson is going to take it on from halfway...

Image source, Getty Images

Time is up but Owen Farrell is not allowed to kick straight out from the restart following the penalty...

Inevitably, however, the wind does indeed take his kick straight out.

Scrum to Exeter on halfway.

Exeter go through the phases and get a penalty on the brink of the 22 as George Kruis infringes at the breakdown.

Gareth Steenson makes no mistake this time to get Chiefs on the scoreboard.

Exeter are given another scrum in the Saracens half, this time for a fairly blatant forward pass.

It's fairly central just outside the Sarries 22. A late chance to get on the scoreboard in this first half.

Another huge scrum from Saracens in their own half bring an end to Exeter's attempts to get back in the game.

The Chiefs bring down the scrum, leading to big celebrations from the Sarries pack.

Saracens pick up another penalty at the scrum, this time as Exeter collapse one on halfway.

Owen Farrell kicks to just shy of the Chiefs 22.

Sarries are looking threatening.

Saracens come close to their second try of the afternoon.

Good work from Alex Goode sets up a line break and then Richard Wigglesworth squirms away from the breakdown to make more valuable yards.

Sarries work the ball out wide and Chris Wyles almost makes his way over the line in the corner but is bundled into touch.

From the resulting line-out Saracens use the wrecking-ball qualities of the Vunipola brothers to hammer the Chiefs defensive line.

Thomas Waldrom is penalised in front of the posts, 30 metres out

But the swirling wind means Owen Farrell misses from the tee.

A massive scrum from Saracens relieves the pressure, and Harry Williams is penalised for releasing his bind.

Richard Wigglesroth gets a warning from the officials for throwing the ball away straight after the penalty was awarded. An early piece of gamesmanship from the Sarries scrum-half.

Owen Farrell kicks to touch.

Exeter react well to the try and continue their possession in the Saracens half.

But their progress is halted by a handling error and they are pushed back and forced to kick long.

Alex Goode calls another mark and clears to the 10-metre line.