Reigning champions Northampton Saints secured a deserved victory over Exeter Chiefs at Franklin's Gardens, bouncing back from their opening-day defeat. Tries from Alex Coles, Chunya Munga, Rory Hutchinson and six kicks from Fin Smith sealed the win for the hosts.
England international Alex Coles ' first-half try was his 13th in all competitions for Northampton Saints
Olly Woodburn's first-half try and two late on from Immanuel Feyi-Waboso earned a point for the Chiefs, who have started the Premiership season with back-to-back defeats. Player of the match Smith added the extras before two penalties meant Saints raced into a 13-point lead before the half-hour mark. His monster kick from just over halfway clipped the inside of the right upright to reduce the arrears to three points.
Smith, who ended six from six with the boot, then put Saints 20 points clear with a well-taken drop goal after the hour mark.
Premiership Rugby Northampton Saints Exeter Chiefs Alex Coles Victory
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