Relive Sunday's Premiership Rugby

1. FT: Leicester 24-16 Wasps
2. FT: Sale 20-13 Northampton
3. FT: Newcastle 3-41 Exeter

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And that concludes our coverage of Sunday's Premiership rugby.

Thanks for joining us - we'll be back on Friday with more live text and radio commentary of Harlequins against Sale Sharks at The Stoop.

Recap

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Leicester Tigers maintained their winning start to the new Premiership season with an ultimately comfortable ‘local derby’ victory over Wasps.

Two solo bursts on either wing brought Fiji’s Niki Goneva the only first-half try.

Tongan international Telusa Veainu then crossed after Wasps were down to 10 men following Jimmy Gopperth’s yellow card.

Other than Gopperth’s three first-half penalties, Wasps’ only reply was Italian Lorenzo Cittadini’s late try, while Owen Williams earned a 14-point individual haul for Tigers.

Recap

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Sale Sharks held on to record an eye-catching win over Northampton Saints, who have now lost two of their opening three games of the Premiership season.

Sam James, a late replacement for Sam Tuitupou, put the Sharks into a 13-6 half-time lead with a kick-and-run try.

Sale's Danny Cipriani and Saints' Stephen Myler also both kicked two penalties in the first period.

Will Addison's try furthered Sale's lead and they held on despite Myler's score for the visitors.

Recap

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Exeter Chiefs sealed a comprehensive bonus-point victory over Newcastle Falcons, who are without a point this season.

Falcons' only points came from Mike Delany's penalty to put them 3-0 up.

Chiefs scored five first-half tries through Will Chudley, Julian Salvi, Matt Jess and two from Don Armand, with three Gareth Steenson conversions.

Moray Low crossed for try number six, with Steenson sending over the extras, as well as a last-minute penalty to add gloss to a comfortable victory.

Full-time

However, time runs out for Wasps as Leicester hold on to earn their third win from three games. Hugely impressive performance from the Tigers. It's a second defeat for Wasps this season.

Try (Cittadini Con Jackson)

Joe Simpson and then James Haskell are so close to touching down. Wasps continue to batter the Leicester defence and eventually Lorenzo Cittadini bundles over. The conversion is kicked by Ruaridh Jackson as Wasps move to within eight points and touching distance of a losing bonus point.

Leicester 24-9 Wasps

Wasps are determined to end the game on a high, Tom Croft concedes a penalty at the breakdown and the visiting team again kick to the corner. 

Leicester 24-9 Wasps

Guy Thompson breaks for the line off the back of the scrum, but Tigers' defence is sharp and they win a penalty from the resulting breakdown. Into the final five minutes now.

No try

Wasps win the line-out, drive to the line, James Haskell is over but is held up by the Leicester pack. Scrum five. 

Leicester 24-9 Wasps

We're inside the last 10 minutes here at Welford Road as Wasps need to find 15 points from somewhere. Leicester have a scrum just outside their opponents' 22 and a penalty is conceded as Wasps kick to the corner.  

Replacement

Tom Youngs leaves the field to a standing ovation, the England hooker has had a decent 70 minutes for Leicester. 

Penalty (Williams)

Wasps are offside and Leicester have a penalty bang in front of the posts. It's a 15-point advantage now for Leicester with 12 minutes remaining, thanks to the boot of Owen Williams.

Replacement

Forward Dom Barrow is on for his Leicester debut after his arrival from Newcastle. Mike Williams departs. 

Leicester 21-9 Wasps

There's some huge hits out there as Tigers' defence work overtime to keep Wasps out. Three big hits and they earn a penalty. Wasps waste a rare opportunity for points in this half. 

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Leicester 21-9 Wasps

It's another penalty from another scrum, as this time Leicester are accused of not feeding straight. Wasps kick into Tigers' 22.

Try (Veainu)

Owen Williams is so close to the Wasps try-line, and then Jordan Crane is agonisingly short as Leicester spread it to their three-quarters.

Eventually the ball comes back the other way and debutant Telusa Veainu goes over in the corner. The conversion is missed by Williams. 

Leicester 16-9 Wasps

Ged Scott

BBC Sport at Welford Road

Jimmy Gopperth can consider himself very lucky to still be in this game.

But there is a citing officer present here at Welford Road and Gopperth may not have heard the last of this, after only getting a yellow card instead of a red for his late 'challenge' on home full-back Matthew Tait.

Maybe, in all the excitement, the referee Tim Wigglesworth simply did not see the same video replay that was seen by the press box and those Tigers fans watching the big screen.

Leicester 16-9 Wasps

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"It's pretty even out there," Leicester's director of rugby Richard Cockerill tells BT Sport. Leicester win the line-out, make a mess of the maul but quickly win the ball back.

Leicester 16-9 Wasps

Wasps are managing to stay in touch here at Welford Road despite Leicester's dominance. Neither side are managing to keep the scoreboard ticking over though as the Tigers pack win another penalty at a scrum. 

Owen Williams kicks for territory in the Wasps 22. 

Replacement

Jono Kitto comes on for his Leicester debut, replacing Sam Harrison at scrum-half. Nice moment.

Sin-bin (Gopperth)

Jimmy Gopperth makes a mess of a kick, booting it out on the full - and realising his mistake he takes out Mathew Tait in the air also swinging an elbow at Leicester's full-back in a moment of madness.

He's sent to the bin, but it could easily have been more.

Leicester 16-9 Wasps

Leicester are starting to take a hold on this game as Sam Harrison finds space with a clever dummy but Lachlan McCaffrey spills the ball on the left wing wasting decent territory. 

Penalty (Williams)

Wasps are penalised for a maul infringement and Owen Williams sends over his third penalty of the afternoon. That's a seven-point lead for Leicester now. 

Leicester 13-9 Wasps

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Wasps finally get a chance to launch their flyers with Elliot Daly breaking up-field but Christian Wade cannot catch the pass and it's knocked on. Leicester have the ball back in Wasps' 22.

Replacement

Leicester also lose their big ball carrier, with Opeti Fonua being replaced by Telusa Veainu. 

Replacement

Nathan Hughes cannot go on and Guy Thompson is on in his place for Wasps.

Leicester 13-9 Wasps

Nathan Hughes is down with a knee injury, which will be a worry for Wasps considering his impact this season and the amount of carries he's had. He looks to have fallen awkwardly in a tackle with Tom Youngs. 

Full-time

What an ending to the match! Ahsee Tuala goes inches, and I mean inches, away from the try-line to give Saints a dramatic late score but is kept out by the Sale defence.

Moments later the ball is knocked forward and Sale get it away to signal the end of the game.

That was a cracking finish!

Sale 20-13 Northampton

With the clock ticking up to 80, the referee gives a penalty to Northampton... Still time for a leveller.

Kick-off

Owen Williams gets things back under way at Welford Road.

Missed penalty (Macleod)

That should be that as replacement Nick Macleod lines up a penalty after the referee adjudges Saints turned the ball over illegally.

But it hits the post and bounces back in to play when it looked rather kickable.

Sale 20-13 Northampton

Northampton have a scrum in the middle of the park, and Luther Burrell sums up Saints' day, as he plays a forward pass to give the ball back to the hosts.

Sale 20-13 Northampton

Only eight minutes left now in a chilly Manchester and the ball is deep in Northampton territory. Sale will be very happy to keep it there.

Leicester 13-9 Wasps

Ged Scott

BBC Sport at Welford Road

After such an ultimately depressing World Cup for the home nations, it's the sort of afternoon to put a spring in the step at Welford Road.

The sun is shining, making it an unseasonally warm afternoon in Leicestershire - and the rugby has been pretty hot too.

The highlight of the first half might have been from a Fijian, and there have been the usual glut of mystifying penalties that proliferate any game of rugby union, but there does seem to have been more of an inclination to run with the ball, making it an entertaining contest thus far.

Sale 20-13 Northampton

Northampton Saints go right down the other end and come close to breaking through, but Ben Foden plays a loose pass just behind JJ Hanrahan and Sale get the ball back.

Missed penalty (Cipriani)

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Danny Cipriani has a chance from the tee and it all goes eerily quiet at the AJ Bell Stadium as they know how important this kick could be...

And it's missed! That would have given his side some breathing space.

Half-time

And that is half-time at Welford Road where Leicester will perhaps be a little disappointed they have not made more of their territory and time in Wasps' 22. 

Leicester 13-9 Wasps

There's a break in play while Jake Cooper-Woolley gets some attention for a head injury on the stroke of half-time.

Leicester 13-9 Wasps

Opeti Fonua is starting to have an impact in this game regularly breaking the gain line. His latest break takes Leicester to within five metres but it's yet another penalty conceded at the breakdown. Let off for Wasps. 

Leicester 13-9 Wasps

That scrum is a mess, but it's fine work from the Wasps pack and they win a crucial penalty. They miss touch from the resulting kick and it's coming back at them.

Sale 20-13 Northampton

So, so close for Northampton at the AJ Bell Stadium. After great work from Luther Burrell, Ben Foden almost goes over in the corner, but is shoved out of play by the Sale defence just short of the line.

Thirteen minutes to get something from the match for Saints. Thirteen minutes to hold on for Sale.

Leicester 13-9 Wasps

James Haskell is back on for Wasps as Leciester intercept the ball in the their own 22 and break up field with a long punt. Wasps make a mess of the ruck and Leicester have a scrum well inside their opponents 22. Big scrum. 

Sale 20-13 Northampton

Referee Andrew Small has enough of backchat from Northampton and penalises Saints when the visitors were in a decent position.

Really not smart there.

Sale 20-13 Northampton

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Northampton are seeing plenty of the ball in the midfield and working the ball rather well. But after a number of phases, prop Kieran Brrokes drops the ball and Sale kick down the field to gain territory.

We've got 20 minutes left at the AJ Bell Stadium.

No try (Halai)

Wasps wing Frank Halai powers over on the right wing but the TMO pulls back play for an earlier obstruction. 

Leicester 13-9 Wasps

Gripping contest at Welford Road as England number eight James Haskell leaves the field for a 'head-injury assessment'. 

Penalty (Gopperth)

Christian Wade comes in off his wing for the first time in the game and although he is tackled, Michael Fitzgerald is penalised for not rolling away and Jimmy Gopperth kicks the three points. 

Penalty (Daly)

Leicester's front row are penalised for not binding correctly and the big boot of Elliot Daly steps up from near halfway to send over Wasps' second penalty of the game. 

Try (Myler, con Myler)

Northampton Saints are back in this match as Ben Foden breaks through off the back of a line-out.

The England man is stopped within a few metres of the tryline, but Sale don't have enough covering defenders leaving Stephen Myler to cross over and he converts his own try.

Leicester 13-3 Wasps

Fine passage of play as more twinkling feet from Vereniki Goneva see Leicester break and kick up field but it's collected by Jimmy Gopperth and Wasps have back possession. 

Sale 20-6 Northampton

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Saints have had their chances in this game, but mistakes are costing them. This time they have a line-out six yards from the Sale line, but Mike Haywood's throw isn't straight giving the hosts the turnover.  

Penalty (Williams)

George Smith is penalised for a third time and Wasps' Australian flanker receives a ticking off. His crime this time? Not rolling away and Williams kicks his second penalty of the game. 

Leicester 10-3 Wasps

"It was a poor start," Wasps director of rugby Dai Young tells BT Sport. Leicester back on the attack at Welford Road. 

No try (Gibson)

Jamie Gibson thinks he has his first Northampton Saints try after sliding across in the corner, but the referee goes upstairs and the television match official says the flanker's boot is out of play.

How much did Saints need that?

Try (Addison, con Cipriani)

Sale have their second try of the day and it comes when Will Addison out-jumps Ken Pisi off a high kick and finishes straight under the posts.

That leaves Cipriani with the simplest of conversions.

Penalty (Williams)

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Having failed moments earlier, Williams makes no mistake with a penalty from in front of the posts as Leicester's seven-point lead is restored.

Leicester 7-3 Wasps

Ged Scott

BBC Sport at Welford Road

So much for World Cup hangovers.

Clearly not for Leicester's Fijian wing Niki Goneva.

After his try of the tournament contender for Fiji in their narrow defeat by nearly men Wales in Cardiff, Goneva has started this game at Welford Road like a man possessed.

After creating a great attacking platform with a superb solo break off his wing down the right, Leicester then cashed in when, back on his correct left wing, Goneva weaved his way over the line to earn the Tigers the opening score of the game.

Sale 13-6 Northampton

Sale on the front foot with a line-out on Northampton Saints' 22 after winning a penalty off a scrum.

It's been quite a battle up front today so far.

Leicester 7-3 Wasps

Owen Williams misses the chance to extend Leicester's lead, striking the post with an effort with Wasps penalised for handling on the floor. 

Penalty (Gopperth)

Wasps are on the board with Jimmy Gopperth sending over a penalty to help settle them after a frenetic start at Welford Road. Cracking pace to this game in the opening 10 minutes. 

Sale 13-6 Northampton

We're back under way at the AJ Bell Stadium... Can Sale hold on for victory?

Replacement

It's not been a great opening seven minutes for Wasps and they are forced into an early change with Matt Mullan succumbing to that early injury, being replaced by Tom Bristow. 

Try (Goneva, con Williams)

Having started the attack on the right, Goneva finishes it on the left with a dummy seeing him find a gap and cross for the first try of the game. Owen Williams adds the conversion.

Leicester 0-0 Wasps

Stunning break from Vereniki Goneva and Leicester are camped in the Wasps 22. 

Leicester 0-0 Wasps

Wasps prop Matt Mullan is down receiving treatment for an early injury as we have a lengthy break in play here at Welford Road. He's back on his feet though and straight into a scrum. 

Leicester 0-0 Wasps

Plenty of players back from World Cup duty, with Dan Cole and Tom Youngs in the Tigers line-up and Tongan duo Opeti Fonua and Telusa Veainu also named in the matchday squad. Wasps include England duo James Haskell and Joe Launchbury. 

Kick-off

Blue skies have been a feature of match weekend three in the Premiership and it's no different at Welford Road as Wasps fly-half Jimmy Gopperth gets proceedings under way.

Half-time

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It hasn't been the greatest of matches so far, but Sale have the lead thanks to a bit of innovation from Sam James.

Danny Cipriani and Stephen Myler have exchanged kicks as the battle of the potential England fly-halves currently stands at two penalties apiece and one conversion for the Sale man.

Try (James, con Cipriani)

What a lovely try from Sale centre Sam James.

The late replacement for Sam Tuitupou in Sharks' starting line-up faces up to Saints' defence, kicks the ball over the head of Stephen Myler and his turn of pace is just too much for the visitors to deal with and he finishes with aplomb.

Danny Cipriani adds the extras as the clinical Sharks extend their advantage.

Moments earlier, Myler had brought Saints level with a penalty.

Sale 6-3 Northampton

A classic footchase between Northampton's Luther Burrell and Sale's Mike Haley after the visiting players' interception ends just outside the home 22.

Burrell was looking over his shoulder, knowing that he didn't have the legs to beat his opponent. We all know that feeling.

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Team news

Wasps make four changes, with scrum-half Dan Robson and lock Kearnan Myall in the starting line-up.

With Ben Jacobs (knee) out, James Downey plays at inside centre, while Ruaridh Jackson replaces Rob Miller (hamstring) at full-back.

BBC Sport

Replacements: Johnson, Bristow, Cittadini, Davies, Thompson, Jones, Lozowski, Tagicakibau.

Penalty (Myler)

Stephen Myler has his side on the board after Sale are penalised for having hands on the floor.

The Saints fly-half slots the ball right through the posts from 35 metres out to bring his side to within three.

Sale 6-0 Northampton

A kick from Northampton Saints' Stephen Myler has Sale penned deep in their own 22, and hooker Tommy Taylor - who has been struggling with injury so far today - has to be smart with his line-out choice.

The Sharks manage to win the penalty. The Saints' indiscipline may be costing them.

Team news

Number eight Opeti Fonua and England prop Dan Cole make their first starts of the season for Leicester Tigers.

Telusa Veainu, Jono Kitto, Dom Barrow join the replacements alongside Jordan Crane, who is fit after a knee injury.

BBC Sport

Replacements: Bateman, Brugnara, Pasquali, Barrow, Crane, Kitto, Bai, Veainu.

Penalty (Cipriani)

This match is pretty much solely being played in the midfield, but Danny Cipriani has the chance to double Sale's led after a Saints player comes in at the side.

The fly-half finds the middle of the posts, but there really is not much in this match to shout about.

Penalty (Cipriani)

Danny Cipriani makes no mistake this time.

From virtually the same position as his first kick, the Sale fly-half's boot manages to just get enough distance on the ball to put his side on the scoreboard.

Full-time

And so that'll be that.

Exeter Chiefs run in six tries in a completely dominant display to secure a bonus-point victory over Newcastle Falcons.

Penalty (Steenson)

And Gareth Steenson lands the penalty from bang in front of the posts, prompting the referee's full-time whistle...

Newcastle 3-38 Exeter

After a couple of rests, Exeter win a penalty. Now, you'd have thought they'd fancy running this - but instead Gareth Steenson calls for the tee...

Missed penalty (Cipriani)

Danny Cipriani has the chance to put his side on the board with a kickable penalty from the left-hand side after a Saints offside but seemed to scuff the ball wide of the mark. Still scoreless.

Sale 0-0 Northampton

Sale Sharks have to be at their defensive best to deny Northampton as the visitors pen their hosts around five metres out of their own line.

But Stephen Myler's grubber kick lands in the hands of a Sharks player and kicked away to safety.

Newcastle 3-38 Exeter

We're into the final five minutes at Kingston Park, and Exeter have a five-metre scrum. Can they add a bit more gloss to an already glimmering scoreline?

Sale 0-0 Northampton

Today's match at the AJ Bell Stadium could prove to be the battle of the potential England fly-halves, with Sale's Danny Cipriani, a controversial omission from Stuart Lancaster's World Cup squad, and Saints' Stephen Myler coming up against each other.

On the back of a sequence of collapsed scrums, Myler's kick has Saints in the opposition half. It's been a rather scrappy opening.

No try (Venditti)

And where Exeter make it look so easy - Newcastle seem to sneak an error in whenever they look like scoring.

This time wing Giovanbattista Venditti is over, but only after a forward pass sent him clear.

Sale 0-0 Northampton

Sale have their first real attack of the afternoon and reach the Saints 22, but the pass to hooker Tommy Taylor isn't the greatest and he can't help but knock it on.

Sale 0-0 Northampton

Northampton Saints win an early penalty off the back of a scrum, but Stephen Myler decides to kick it towards touch and gets it into the opposition 22.

One late change to bring you to Saints' team: Teimana Harrison replaces Jon Fisher on the bench.

Try (Low, con Steenson)

For all Newcastle's huffing and puffing, Exeter make it look so simple.

Their forwards move through the phases, punching hole after a hole to pin Falcons back. Eventually, Moray Low picks up to make the crucial move and squirm over the line for a sixth Chiefs try.

Gareth Steenson converts, Exeter are bossing it.

Kick-off

We're off at the AJ Bell Stadium in today's second Premiership match.

Newcastle 3-31 Exeter

How have Newcastle not scored here? Following phase after phase, Ally Hogg looks like he's through and in the clear - but Exeter superbly get back to the big number eight and then win a penalty for holding on.

Newcastle 3-31 Exeter

After an eye-catching first-half display from Exeter Chiefs, the second period has been far from vintage.

We're past the hour-mark now, as Belisario Agulla is driven into touch just inside his own half.

Team news

Tom Wood skippers Northampton Saints as captain Lee Dickson drops to the bench, with Kahn Fotuali'i coming in.

Hooker Mike Haywood and lock Michael Paterson replace Dylan Hartley and Christian Day in two other changes.

BBC Sport

Replacements: Hartley, Waller, Hill, Day, Fisher, Dickson, Hanrahan, Tuala.

Newcastle 3-31 Exeter

This has been really hard work for the home side, as it takes them 12 phases of play on halfway to find a gap and break the line.

They're up to the 22-metre line now... But a knock-on brings that latest attack to another premature conclusion.

Team news

Sale Sharks bring in Samoan flanker TJ Ioane for David Seymour, who drops out of the matchday squad, while there is a late change with Sam James replacing Sammy Tuitupou in the starting XV.

The Sharks are still without prop Eifion Lewis-Roberts (ankle injury), but have no new injury concerns.

BBC Sport

Replacements: Briggs, Flynn, Mujati, Ostrikov, Lund, Stringer, Macleod, Jennings.

No try (Agulla)

The ball was knocked on in the build-up, however, and so we'll head back for another set-piece.

It's a shame for Falcons, as it was actually really well worked. But Exeter remain 28 points to the good.

Try review (Agulla)

The hosts think they've scored through replacement Belisario Agulla, but we're heading to the television match official...

Newcastle 3-31 Exeter

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Chiefs are into the Newcastle 22 for the first time in the second half now - but Falcons turn it over and come streaming forward...

Some life in the second period at last!

Newcastle 3-31 Exeter

We might have been expecting a Falcons storm at the start of this second half, but so far Exeter have managed things pretty well - already the clock has ticked through to the 50th minute.

Nili Latu's drop, not for the first time, hands Chiefs a scrum on halfway too.

Newcastle 3-31 Exeter

A couple of reset scrums now, before former London Scottish prop Tom Francis is dragged head over heels - literally - to win Exeter a penalty.

Not the prettiest passage of play you'll see this year.

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Newcastle 3-31 Exeter

After making no great progress, however, Alex Tait elects to chip and chase - but it's gathered by the sweeping James Short.

Kick-off

Exeter fly-half Gareth Steenson gets us under way in this second half, Newcastle gather and then work through the phases inside their own half.

A big 40 minutes needed from Falcons to restore a wee bit of pride.

Newcastle 3-31 Exeter

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Right then, the teams are out, so let's get moving again...

While we all take a breather for half-time at Kingston Park, it's worth reminding you that our next match is getting under way in around 40 minutes or so...

Newcastle 3-31 Exeter

We talk when you're coaching players in defence, make sure your inside is sorted - don't let them have the inside. For the fifth try Steenson's ghosted through a hole and fed Henry Slade before Don Armand went over. It looked like a training drill.

BBC Radio Newcastle co-commentator Tom Bramald

Half-time

It's been a five-star performance from five-try Exeter Chiefs, who have produced an absolute masterclass in the opening 40 minutes. Superb.

Try (Armand, con Steenson)

Half-time doesn't come quite soon enough for Newcastle, however, as Exeter pinch another turnover and subsequently another try.

Henry Slade is the orchestrator, delaying the pass, drawing the tackle and then popping Don Armand through for his second try.

Gareth Steenson adds the extras and that'll be the final action of the half.

Newcastle 3-24 Exeter

Newcastle have a line-out deep inside their own half, but manage to secure safe ball and provide Mike Delany with a platform to boot clear - with no charge down in sight this time.

Dean Richards will be happy to see half-time arrive.

Newcastle 3-24 Exeter

Five minutes to go until the break at Kingston Park then. Is this game already over?

Newcastle centre Tom Penny arrows a pass straight out of play, prompting a few cries of frustration from both the stands and one or two of his team-mates.

Newcastle 3-24 Exeter

It was a classic two on one and as soon as Exeter got into that situation the try was inevitable.

BBC Radio Newcastle co-commentator Tom Bramald

Try (Jess, missed con Steenson)

Goodness me, that's just brutal from the away side.

Micky Young's kick forward is claimed under no real pressure, switched from left to right and, with Newcastle's backline completely out of position, Phil Dollman tees up Matt Jess for the simplest of tries on his 100th Premiership appearance.

Gareth Steenson's conversion hits the post for a second time - but already Exeter have their bonus point.

Newcastle 3-19 Exeter

The chance is wasted though, as Nili Latu spills the ball under pressure.

Newcastle are back in their own half again now, as Micky Young is forced to send a box kick forward to try to win back some of that territory.

Newcastle 3-19 Exeter

The home side are up to the Exeter five-metre line, before switching the ball over to the right.

Now Alex Tait has a sniff of the line - but gets clattered by Mitch Lees, a fine tackle.

They will have a penalty for failing to release though, so Mike Delany sends the ball into touch again...

Newcastle 3-19 Exeter

Right then Newcastle Falcons, it's time to make a bit more of a game of this.

Damian Welch infringes inside his own half and Mike Delany sends the ball into touch. A decent position, is this.

Try (Armand, missed con Steenson)

This has been a brutal 21 minutes from Chiefs - and they fully deserve their ever-expanding advantage.

Don Armand is the man behind this particular rolling maul, forcing his way over for a third Exeter try.

Gareth Steenson's conversion clatters the upright and bounces away, but that's about the only thing that's gone wrong for the away side so far.

Newcastle 3-14 Exeter

Newcastle seem to have no answer to Exeter's attacking prowess, and this time Alex Tait is penalised for an infringement at the breakdown.

The Chiefs head to touch, but now Falcons drag the rolling maul down to concede a further penalty.

This looks kickable for Gareth Steenson - but the fly-half isn't interested, to touch we go again...

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Max Baggins-Craig: "This looks set to be a cracker indeed. New look to kick on, but it'll be tough, Exeter off to a flying start - this is just what we want."

Newcastle 3-14 Exeter

Rob Baxter will be a very happy coach watching this, as his Exeter side again whizz through the phases to make 20, 30, 40 metres...

But Julian Salvi can't quite pick the ball up from around his ankles around 10 metres from the line and the opportunity goes begging.

Newcastle 3-14 Exeter

Exeter generally work very quickly at the line-out to get their jumpers in the air. Then when they've won the ball and bring it down they take their time to set their drive, make sure it's exactly how they want it and take Newcastle on.

BBC Radio Newcastle co-commentator Tom Bramald

Try (Salvi, con Steenson)

They absolutely can - and the Chiefs grab their second try inside the opening quarter.

It's back-rower Julian Salvi, a new arrival from Leicester Tigers, who bundles his way over behind his pack.

Gareth Steenson converts again and Exeter's lead is 12 points.

Newcastle 3-7 Exeter

The hosts are unable to hold firm legally and, when the move breaks down, Exeter choose to head for touch. Can they get the rolling maul working here?...

Newcastle 3-7 Exeter

There's a very apparent spring in the Exeter step now, as again their forwards attempt to punch hole after hole in the Newcastle defence, wriggling their way up to the five-metre line...

Newcastle 3-7 Exeter

It's hard to describe just how easy that try was for Exeter. It's a pattern Newcastle seem to have - making mistakes after scoring points.

BBC Radio Newcastle co-commentator Tom Bramald

Try (Chudley, con Steenson)

But how about this for a response from the visitors?

Gareth Steenson's deep restart is gathered comfortably enough and Mike Delany tries to clear from his own five-metre line - but Will Chudley races from the line, charges the attempted kick down and then dots the ball over.

Steenson's conversion is good and Exeter are ahead.

Penalty (Delany)

And Mike Delany makes no mistake from in front of the posts to get Newcastle up and running at Kingston Park.

Newcastle 0-0 Exeter

And, although they're not going anywhere fast, scrum-half Micky Young earns his side a penalty as a Chiefs tackler fails to roll away, allowing Mike Delany to call for the tee...

Newcastle 0-0 Exeter

The men in white have started brightly, moving into the Falcons' 22, but Sam Hill juggles Gareth Steenson's wayward pass and the momentum is lost.

Now the hosts are on the offensive, switching the ball from the shade on this near side to the sun-drenched far side. Into the Exeter half, working through the phases.

Kick-off

Kiwi fly-half Mike Delany boots us under way, Exeter's forwards gather under the high ball and then win an early penalty at the breakdown.

The teams are out at Kingston Park, Newcastle all in black, Exeter all in white.

The sun is shining and the temperature hovers at a comfortable 15°C.

It's supposed to be November! Practically tropical in the north east.

Team news

Winger Matt Jess becomes the first Exeter Chiefs player to play 100 Premiership games as he comes in for Jack Nowell.

Sam Hill replaces Ian Whitten at centre, flanker Julian Salvi gets his first start as Thomas Waldrom is rested and Don Armand moves to number eight.

BBC Sport

Replacements: Yeandle, Hepburn, Low, Atkins, Waldrom, Lewis, Whitten, Woodburn.

Team news

Alex Tait makes his first Newcastle Falcons start of the season in place of winger Alesana Tuilagi, while Tom Penny and Michael Young return to the backs.

Eric Fry replaces Rob Vickers at prop, while flanker Will Welch returns.

BBC Sport

Replacements: McGuigan, Vickers, Vea, Furno, Clever, Tipuna, Catterick, Agulla.

BBC coverage

We have three matches from the English top flight to get stuck into this afternoon - and we'll be bringing you live text and radio commentary on each one.

• Newcastle v Exeter (13:00 GMT)
• Sale v Northampton (14:30 GMT)
• Leicester v Wasps (15:15 GMT)

After the Lord Mayor's show

Getty Images

After all the build-up, hype and anticipation, yesterday we finally found out what we probably already knew anyway.

New Zealand are the best rugby union team in the world.

But though the World Cup is over, you need not be sad.

Because the Premiership rolls on this afternoon - and you can follow every cough and spit right here.

Commentaries available on this page - use 'Live Coverage' tab to select commentary

Newcastle v Exeter (13:00 GMT) - BBC Newcastle and BBC Radio Devon

Sale v Northampton (14:30 GMT) - BBC Radio Manchester and BBC Radio Northampton

Leicester v Wasps (15:15 GMT) - BBC Radio Leicester and BBC Coventry and Warwickshire