Once again it's the hosts that are in possession and trucking forwards. Last weekend Jim Mallinder's side struggled to contend with Saracens on the gain line but so far today they've owed that area and it's paying dividends.

Leicester are enjoying much needed time with the ball in their control however they're not making great inroads forwards.

A spot of slick ball control from Dan Cole keeps the move alive however Ellis Genge knocks on and it's scrum time Northampton.

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Northampton are starting as they mean to go on as Tom Collins makes a dart forwards. The winger spots a gap with his name on it between Leicester's two props and after puts boot to ball.

On a dismal afternoon last weekend Collins stood out and he’s certainly enjoying this derby so far.

Just 58 seconds into the half Leicester also make a change of personnel - Brendon O'Connor limps off and he's replaced by Dominic Ryan.

Both side are out on the field and they're greeted by a spot of rain for company.

One change at the break sees Paul Hill coming on for Kieran Brookes, who has failed a head injury assessment.

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Marland Yarde scored for the second successive week as Harlequins bounced back from their opening day defeat to London Irish with victory at home to Gloucester.

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Champions Exeter get a bonus-point win over newly promoted London Irish to seal their first victory of the season.

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Semesa Rokoduguni's late brace clinches victory for Bath against Saracens in a thriller at the Recreation Ground.

While Northampton and Leicester have a well-deserved breather, let's look back at this afternoon's three other matches in the Premiership...

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It's certainly high-octane stuff at Franklin's Gardens, all you would expect from an East Midlands derby.

The big names have delivered for Saints - with Luther Burrell and England captain Dylan Hartley getting the all-important tries.

46 minutes and counting in this half...

Northampton secure their lineout well and off the ensuing ball they have another penalty advantage, this time for offside.

One more high tackle delivers a fresh advantage and finally Harry Mallinder points at the posts. The kick is a simple one and that finally brings the half to a close.

With the time in red another high tackle comes from Leicester Tigers and after that JP Doyle decides to have a word at both captains.

The referee has had enough of continual 'conversation' and asks George Ford and Dylan Hartley to have a word with their men.

After that we've one final lineout to come...

Under immense pressure George Ford's clearance kick is a superb one however Saints aren't finished just yet.

George North, who has been busy so far, again surges forwards and as the Tigers are penalised for a high tackle the hosts have one final roll of the dice.

With two minutes to go Northampton head for the corner and set up a driving maul. However Leicester’s defence is strong and they force a vital turnover.

Five metres out it's a Tigers' put in and their first task is to get themselves out of danger and back up-field.

Tom Youngs left the field a little earlier on and now it's confirmed that Harry Thacker will finish the game for Tigers.

It's a simple kick for George Ford to get his side off the mark and with five minutes to go before the break the visitors will be itching to impose themselves further before half-time.

After a quiet half-an-hour in attack it's time for Tigers to show some of their prowess.

George Ford's chips is collected by Telusa Veainu and he is stopped by Northampton's last man Ashee Tuala.

Leicester are still pressing and in the end decide to go for the three in front of the posts.

The hosts are rumbling forward with every phase and Dylan Hartley tries to scramble over the top of a pile of bodies.

JP Doyle asks the TMO David Sainsbury to check and Franklin's Gardens is holding its breath.

Northampton are dominating the possession so far and giving Leicester very little to work with.

Matt Toomua is penalised at the ruck Harry Mallinder pushes the Saints up-field to put the pressure on their visitors once again.