Exeter host the log-leading Saints

Last season’s runners-up, Exeter Chiefs, had a less-than-ideal start to the 2021-22 campaign as they were taken apart by Leicester Tigers at Welford Road in Round 1. 

This week, the Chiefs face the Northampton Saints who find themselves second on the overall standings after a good showing saw them put Gloucester away 34-20 at Franklin’s Gardens 

Exeter have a big reputation to uphold having elevated their status to one of the top northern hemisphere clubs in recent years and Saints can bank on the fact that, after the first-round loss, the backlash from Rob Baxter’s men will be fierce.  

However, the Chiefs can expect a feisty battle from the Saints who produced an entertaining, running game last weekend, infused with determination and flair – indications are that they will not lie down easily, especially considering how much positive energy exudes in a team from the act of kicking off a campaign with a victory.  

The two teams shared the bragging rights last season, taking one result apiece from their two encounters. The first one was taken by Saints with a slender, 13-12 scoreline. The most recent encounter was also tight, with Exeter seeing off their rivals 29-26.