Northampton think they're in for a try off the rolling maul in the corner.

But, we're going upstairs for another look....

Brent Pilnick
BBC Sport at Sandy Park

Image source, PA

Exeter had been criticised in recent weeks for dropping off the pace, following losses to Saracens and Wasps and a sticky win over Harlequins in the lead up to last week’s victory over Saints.

But they have clearly kept their best for this afternoon as we are seeing a vintage display of Exeter’s dominant brand of rugby.

It’s only early, but you feel Northampton have to score next if they want to keep their hopes of a game at Twickenham alive.

Northampton penalty inside Exeter's 22 after some rare indiscipline by the hosts.

Dan Biggar notches it to the corner and they want to go off the line-out from five metres.

Northampton try to be too cute in reply when they finally get an attacking line-out, but the ball gets spilled by the back line.

Exeter all over them and will go again.

Image source, Getty Images

Kickable penalty again conceded by Northampton but Exeter once more want to score a try and kick for the corner.

And the move eventually ends with Joe Simmonds on the scoreboard with a second try.

Lovely show-and-go opens up the gap in the Northampton line and he does the rest. Also adds the extras off the tee to put Chiefs well and truly in charge now.

Image source, Getty Images

What do Northampton have as a response?

Some sloppy work under the high ball to begin with from Ahsee Tuala as he spills one out of touch.

Exeter meanwhile go back to the tried and trusted phase play as they bid to wear Northampton down off the ball.

Brent Pilnick
BBC Sport at Sandy Park

It was always coming, but fair play to the Saints'defence for holding out as long as they did.

Now they have to try and get hold of this ball otherwise Exeter will smother the life out of this Northampton side.

Jeremy Guscott
Former England centre on BBC Radio 5 Live

"It was inevitable given they have had 80% territory and 80% possession. Something had to give."

No points so far - but this has been far from dull.

Exeter knocking on the door relentlessly but Saints have so far had the answers defensively.

Ahsee Tuala dots down inside his own in-goal area from the grubber kick through and there's a pause in play while he receives a bit of treatment for a knock to the head.

Image source, Reuters

Exeter coming on strong again at Northampton who had won a scrum penalty earlier.

But relentless Chiefs pressure sees them load up again and try and barge through.

Again another kickable penalty but Joe Simmonds once more goes for the corner.

Brent Pilnick
BBC Sport at Sandy Park

Dave Ewers has already had three or four carries and battered the Saints defence.

He was unlucky to be held up just short, but he seems to be their go-to weapon early in this encounter.

Several angles looked at there, but the verdict is in....

No try for Exeter despite Dave Ewers and Matt Kvesic looking like they'd rumbled it over.

Exeter went for the corner rather than the posts from that penalty and then nearly force an opening try.

We're going to take a look at this one with the TMO though...

Cobus Reinach shows his trademark ability to dart out on his own as he tries to take the scrum from his own tryline.

But Northampton's over-indugence on the ball sees them concede a penalty to Chiefs in kickable range on the 22.

Brent Pilnick
BBC Sport at Sandy Park

Exeter held up by Saints there, but if you want to know what the Chiefs do, that was it in a nutshell.

Phase after phase wearing down their opponents - if you don’t have the ball at Sandy Park against the hosts it can be a long game.

Plenty of Exeter possession and they are almost camped in Northampton's 22 for about four minutes.

But Saints hold on to force a scrum penalty and that will be a morale victory for the visitors early on.

Bit of attacking endeavour from Northampton, but they are caught with some indiscipline in the Chiefs half and concede the penalty for not releasing on the 10-metre line.

Taqele Naiyaravoro the culprit for Saints.

Image source, Getty Images

Fairly cagey start so far but Exeter half-showing their danger off the base of a scrum.

Jack Nowell was nearly in down the left but lost the ball forward as he got caught in two minds about whether or not to offload or throw a dummy.

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