Exeter 43 Sale 6

A brace of tries from experienced winger Matthew Jess helped to ensure a winning start to the new season for Exeter.

Most of the damage in this game was done in the second half, though Sale never threatened to challenge their hosts' dominance. Ignacio Mieres got the scoreboard ticking over within the first five minutes with a penalty, and the Argentinian then crossed for a try before striking a second penalty to give his side an 11-point lead. Nick MacLeod responded with a penalty shortly after, but Exeter restored their advantage on the stroke of half-time with a third Mieres penalty. The Chiefs then put real daylight between the two teams in the opening stages of the second half courtesy of an Allistair Muldowney try, converted by Mieres, and, though MacLeod stemmed the tide with a second penalty, the remainder of the match would belong to the dominant hosts. Jess's first try of the afternoon just before the hour made it 26-6, before further scores from Tom Johnson, a second from Jess, and Chris Budgen with just over five minutes remaining rounded off a fine opening day for the Devon outfit. Mercifully, replacement kicker Gareth Steenson could only convert one of the final four Exeter tries, keeping the home tally below 50. Jess was the outstanding performer for the Chiefs, who appear well-equipped to continue their progress following two impressive seasons at the top level of English club rugby. The Sale coaching staff, meanwhile, were left with more questions than answers and will undoubtedly be demanding improvement from the players for next week's visit of Saracens.