Northampton grind out the win and an important one at that for a side that was rocked by a Boxing Day loss the previously winless London Irish.
A losing bonus-point from their trip to Franklin's Gardens moves Exeter to within a point of Premiership leaders Saracens.
That is all from us today, but remember there is a plenty more to come over the weekend with four matches on Saturday, headlined by Leicester's trip to Sarries, then Worcester host Harlequins on Sunday.
Full-time
Northampton 8-3 Exeter
Fitting passage of play at last at Franklin's Gardens. A poor clearance by Northampton and Exeter are gifted what looked like a final shot of hijacking something from the game.
Impatiently, the ball is shifted wide and out of play.
Northampton get the win, Exeter suffer Premiership defeat for the first time since the opening day of the season.
Northampton 8-3 Exeter
It is scrappy and bodies are slipping all over the place as Exeter go in search of a breakthrough in the final minute.
Northampton 8-3 Exeter
That penalty keeps an astonishing statistic alive for Exeter, as they have never failed to score in a Premiership game.
Their lowest-ever points total in a match in the Premiership was at Franklin's Gardens when they lost 33-3 to Northampton on 9 Oct, 2011.
As it stands they have a losing bonus-point in sight, but can they press for so much more in the final few minutes here?
Penalty (Steenson)
Northampton 8-3 Exeter
Jack Nowell demanding more of the ball for Exeter and the visitors are stringing a series of phases together.
At the end of it, Gareth Steenson lands a penalty. Exeter are on the board.
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
In a flash it seems, George North takes possession out wide and Exeter are scrambling in defence.
The penalty goes to the corner, but Exeter survive, Saints losing the ball into touch and from the resulting line-out Gareth Steenson eventually manages to clear.
With just over 10 minutes remaining, there is still signs of life in this game. No matter how drab it has been.
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
Whatever energy there was in this match at the start of the second half has been ground into submission.
Exeter make another foray into the 22, but George Pisi tramples on the Chiefs' prospects of producing a moment of note. He races out quick and makes a crunching tackle on replacement Will Hooley.
Chance gone. But something to write about nonetheless.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Post update
Lennie Newman
Former Northampton Saints player and manager
Quote Message: Conditions have made it difficult. We keep saying it, but Saints have had an edge with Tom Collins, Luther Burrell has played nicely, but George North has been very quiet."
Conditions have made it difficult. We keep saying it, but Saints have had an edge with Tom Collins, Luther Burrell has played nicely, but George North has been very quiet."
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
Looking for a boost? Why not change it up?
And the entire front row for Exeter is shuffled with Ben Moon off for Carl Rimmer, Thomas Francis replaced by Moray Low and captain Jack Yeandle makes way from Elvis Taione.
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
Handling errors have blighted this game.
Exeter the latest to be frustrated in the greasy conditions. Ben Moon spilling the ball, attack is transformed into a scrum, which it seems inevitably turns into a penalty.
Northampton relieve themselves of pressure without having to do much of note there.
Post update
Ian Hunter
Former Northampton Saints and England wing on 5 Live sports extra
Quote Message: I just like the way Tom Collins moves with the ball. His first intent is to run. If there's nothing on, he's intelligent enough to put the ball up and chase it. He's the pick of the backs at the moment."
I just like the way Tom Collins moves with the ball. His first intent is to run. If there's nothing on, he's intelligent enough to put the ball up and chase it. He's the pick of the backs at the moment."
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
A modern-day record attendance at Franklin's Gardens is confirmed with 15,430 coming out for the New Year's Day contest.
The Saints faithful are getting vocal now, not that there has been a lot to cheer in the opening 55 minutes.
Nothampton 8-0 Exeter
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Don Armand quickest to the ball from one a inventive, quick Thomas Waldrom kick. Crucial gather and Exeter settle with the ball five metres out.
However, with the ball breaking loose it is Saints hooker Mike Haywood who clears with a nicely hacked kick into touch.
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
Exeter carve out the first genuine chance of the game for themselves. But not a moment of panic from Northampton.
Pinned on their try line, Christian Day comes up with the ball and composed as you like finds Tom Collins who kicks clear.
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
First sight of Thomas Waldrom in the second half (and one of very few all game) and the number 8 for Exeter and is caught offside from the breakdown.
Waldrom, the battering ram that helped inspire Exeter to their first ever win at Franklin's Gardens in November 2014 and who has been so influential this season, has been suffocated out of this one so far.
Get Involved at #bbcrugby
Kick-off
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
And action resumes as Franklin's Gardens with JJ Hanrahan kicking off.
HT: Northampton 8-0 Exeter
It hasn't been pretty and far from clinical from Northampton. But they have the lead.
For a side that sits fifth and smarting from their Boxing Day defeat to London Irish, being ahead in-front of a packed crowd at Franklin's Gardens against high-flying Exeter is a positive worth taking.
However, it must be said that Jim Mallinder will demand more from his Saints sides if they are to get the better of the Chiefs this afternoon.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Plenty more to come
BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport
The year's first Premiership action is just getting started, with four of the remaining five matches of this round of fixtures coming on Saturday.
The headline fixture sees leaders Saracens hosts third-placed Leicester at 15:15 GMT.
Sunday's only game sees Harlequins travel to Worcester.
Of course, you can follow all the action right here on the BBC sport website as we bring live text commentaries across the weekend.
HT: Northampton 8-0 Exeter
Ian Hunter's thoughts are certainly shared by the Chiefs' social media team!
Post update
HT: Northampton 8-0 Exeter
Ian Hunter
Former Northampton Saints and England wing on 5 Live sports extra
Quote Message: Saints probably could and probably should be further ahead. Having said that, Saints have put some intent on the game and taken Exeter up front. They've been exceptional against a very strong Exeter pack."
Saints probably could and probably should be further ahead. Having said that, Saints have put some intent on the game and taken Exeter up front. They've been exceptional against a very strong Exeter pack."
Half-time
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
Northampton dominate the opening 40 minutes, but only have a Mike Haywood try and JJ Hanrahan penalty to show for it.
Exeter producing little in the way of attacking rugby, but have defended doggedly. And they have needed to as their penalty count has put them under a lot of unnecessary pressure at times.
Post update
Lennie Newman
Former Northampton Saints player and manager
Quote Message: We haven't heard Thomas Waldrom's name mentioned once because he hasn't had the ball."
We haven't heard Thomas Waldrom's name mentioned once because he hasn't had the ball."
The Chiefs are parked deep in defence, but refuse to be breached.
Tom Collins gets caught up in the moment and attempts to give Saints the hurry on with a chip kick over the top. This time, however. it is a poor from the winger and Northampton have nothing to show from their efforts once again.
Post update
Lennie Newman
Former Northampton Saints player and manager
Quote Message: Tom Collins has been my player of the half so far. Saints are ticking along nicely."
Tom Collins has been my player of the half so far. Saints are ticking along nicely."
Penalty (Hanrahan)
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
Northampton opt to tee up the points and punish Exeter for offside.
It is one penalty too many from the visitors and from well within kicking distance, JJ Hanrahan slots it over and gives Saints the very least of what they deserve.
Northampton 5-0 Exeter
Rare period of Exeter dominance sees the Chiefs move the ball calmly across field and back again looking for a weakness in Northampton's defence.
However, it all comes undone as the visitors try and press their case a little too hard and the ball is spilled. Better from Exeter, but yet to truly test Saints.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Northampton 5-0 Exeter
A setback for Northampton as Kahn Fotuali'i limps off with what looks like a hamstring injury. The Samoan looked dangerous more than once with his pace. On comes Lee Dickson.
Northampton 5-0 Exeter
Ben Foden makes something out of nothing, running on to meet a high ball over the top.
The break is on as the ball spills for Saints and in a flash they are pressing for the try-line. Eventually, the attack fizzles out, but the warning was clear from the hosts as they press forward in waves.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Post update
Ian Hunter
Former Northampton Saints and England wing
Quote Message: Exeter put a huge amount of weight on and basically they just broke away. The momentum got in behind them and they scored."
Exeter put a huge amount of weight on and basically they just broke away. The momentum got in behind them and they scored."
Try (Haywood, missed con Hanrahan)
Northampton 5-0 Exeter
Northampton, camped in the right corner and heaping pressure on Exeter's defence until they finally broke.
And it is from the line out that they get the break, Mike Haywood the man that eventually crashes over.
Conversion from out wide comes off the post from JJ Hanrahan.
Northampton 0-0 Exeter
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Plenty of territory and repeat phases for Saints in their attacking half. Must be said that they have failed to make the most of their possession in the opening 15 minutes.
Poor handling has been the hosts' undoing more than once, but Exeter's defence has been stubborn. Their scrum, however, is being overrun and allows Saints to pin Exeter onto their own try-line.
Northampton 0-0 Exeter
Early penalties allowing both sides to kick themselves into good field position. And with ball in hand, neither outfit looking shy about moving it through hands.
Victor Matfield leaves the field with a bloodied nose for Northampton, allowing Christian Day to join the action. He comes into a game that has started at a high tempo with Saints back on the attack, but Exeter are holding strong.
Post update
Lennie Newman
Former Northampton Saints player and manager
Quote Message: As we thought the packs have been trying to get that domination. There's looked more creativity in the Saints' backs than Exeter."
As we thought the packs have been trying to get that domination. There's looked more creativity in the Saints' backs than Exeter."
Northampton 0-0 Exeter
These two sides muscling up in a big way, the power generated early on at the scrum is enough to generate roars of appreciation from the the Northampton fans as Exeter's Ben Moon goes down in the scrum.
A long kick down field and a neat grubber kick through see Saints go over and Tom Collins dots down, but it is no try as there is a forward pass.
Form guide
Northampton 0-0 Exeter
BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport
Two sides with a very different run of form just getting a feel for one another in the early minutes on a biting cold day at Franklin's Gardens.
Northampton's inconsistent start to the season took on somewhat of a dismal tone on Boxing Day when they were overcome by the previously winless London Irish. If you were to look further into their form in December, they have failed to generate any momentum in the European Champions Cup, having managed a draw against Racing Metro at home after being well beaten by the French side in the away tie.
Conversely, Exeter have dropped just two possible league points in a run of six straight wins since losing at Bath on the opening day of the delayed 2015-16 season in mid-October.
A win today takes them top for 24 hours at least as leaders Saracens host Leicester on Saturday.
Kick-off
Northampton 0-0 Exeter
Exeter get the action underway.
Northampton in their traditional black, green and gold, while Exeter are in all white.
Get Involved
#bbcrugby
Fancy Northampton getting back to their more formidable ways with a win to start 2016? Or maybe the rise-and-rise of Exeter has captured your imagination, and you are busting at the seams to tell the twitterverse all about it.
While many will be getting caught up in the hype of what the new year will bring, we have just waved farewell to what was a huge 2015 of rugby union. What were your highlights, or if you are an England rugby fan, the lowlight?
Get in touch with us using #bbcrugby to share your thoughts.
Big team news out of Exeter for this one sees Italy international Michele Campagnaro make his first Premiership start in the centre.
Having been impressive off the bench in the 33-17 Boxing Day home win over Sale, he comes in alongside Ian Whitten, while winger Olly Woodburn gets the nod ahead of James Short, who drops to the bench.
Also, Exeter recall England's Tom Johnson to replace Julian Salvi at open-side flanker, with Ben White on the bench.
Team news
Northampton v Exeter (15:00 GMT)
BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport
Replacements: Hartley, E Waller, Denman, Day, Paterson, Dickson, Myler, Mallinder.
Northampton make six changes for the visit of Exeter after going down to London Irish earlier in the week.
Tom Collins and JJ Hanrahan come into the back line following the boxing day loss to the previously winless Irish side, while Alex Waller, Mikey Haywood, Victor Matfield and Sam Dickinson are all recalled in the pack.
Kicking off 2016
Northampton v Exeter (1500 GMT)
Welcome and Happy New Year to one and all.
To kick-off the year of the fire monkey (yes, I know, Chinese New Year is next month) we have a tantalising Premiership encounter at Franklin's Gardens between giants of the English game, Northampton and the rising power that is Exeter.
BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport
The hosts will have one very clear resolution in mind for 2016, and that is to turn their inconsistent start to the campaign into something... well, something more Saints' like and start climb from fifth in the table where they reside at the moment.
For Exeter, the faithful from Devon will be singling loud and proud that they fancy 2016 as the year of the Chiefs. Victory today, and they go top of the table for 24 hours at least.
There may be two thirds of the campaign yet to come, but this fixture may have a lot to say for both sides.
Live Reporting
Andrew Aloia
All times stated are UK
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Latest PostWrapping it up
FT: Northampton 8-3 Exeter
Northampton grind out the win and an important one at that for a side that was rocked by a Boxing Day loss the previously winless London Irish.
A losing bonus-point from their trip to Franklin's Gardens moves Exeter to within a point of Premiership leaders Saracens.
That is all from us today, but remember there is a plenty more to come over the weekend with four matches on Saturday, headlined by Leicester's trip to Sarries, then Worcester host Harlequins on Sunday.
Full-time
Northampton 8-3 Exeter
Fitting passage of play at last at Franklin's Gardens. A poor clearance by Northampton and Exeter are gifted what looked like a final shot of hijacking something from the game.
Impatiently, the ball is shifted wide and out of play.
Northampton get the win, Exeter suffer Premiership defeat for the first time since the opening day of the season.
Northampton 8-3 Exeter
It is scrappy and bodies are slipping all over the place as Exeter go in search of a breakthrough in the final minute.
Northampton 8-3 Exeter
That penalty keeps an astonishing statistic alive for Exeter, as they have never failed to score in a Premiership game.
Their lowest-ever points total in a match in the Premiership was at Franklin's Gardens when they lost 33-3 to Northampton on 9 Oct, 2011.
As it stands they have a losing bonus-point in sight, but can they press for so much more in the final few minutes here?
Penalty (Steenson)
Northampton 8-3 Exeter
Jack Nowell demanding more of the ball for Exeter and the visitors are stringing a series of phases together.
At the end of it, Gareth Steenson lands a penalty. Exeter are on the board.
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
In a flash it seems, George North takes possession out wide and Exeter are scrambling in defence.
The penalty goes to the corner, but Exeter survive, Saints losing the ball into touch and from the resulting line-out Gareth Steenson eventually manages to clear.
With just over 10 minutes remaining, there is still signs of life in this game. No matter how drab it has been.
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
Whatever energy there was in this match at the start of the second half has been ground into submission.
Exeter make another foray into the 22, but George Pisi tramples on the Chiefs' prospects of producing a moment of note. He races out quick and makes a crunching tackle on replacement Will Hooley.
Chance gone. But something to write about nonetheless.
Post update
Lennie Newman
Former Northampton Saints player and manager
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
Looking for a boost? Why not change it up?
And the entire front row for Exeter is shuffled with Ben Moon off for Carl Rimmer, Thomas Francis replaced by Moray Low and captain Jack Yeandle makes way from Elvis Taione.
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
Handling errors have blighted this game.
Exeter the latest to be frustrated in the greasy conditions. Ben Moon spilling the ball, attack is transformed into a scrum, which it seems inevitably turns into a penalty.
Northampton relieve themselves of pressure without having to do much of note there.
Post update
Ian Hunter
Former Northampton Saints and England wing on 5 Live sports extra
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
A modern-day record attendance at Franklin's Gardens is confirmed with 15,430 coming out for the New Year's Day contest.
The Saints faithful are getting vocal now, not that there has been a lot to cheer in the opening 55 minutes.
Nothampton 8-0 Exeter
Don Armand quickest to the ball from one a inventive, quick Thomas Waldrom kick. Crucial gather and Exeter settle with the ball five metres out.
However, with the ball breaking loose it is Saints hooker Mike Haywood who clears with a nicely hacked kick into touch.
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
Exeter carve out the first genuine chance of the game for themselves. But not a moment of panic from Northampton.
Pinned on their try line, Christian Day comes up with the ball and composed as you like finds Tom Collins who kicks clear.
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
First sight of Thomas Waldrom in the second half (and one of very few all game) and the number 8 for Exeter and is caught offside from the breakdown.
Waldrom, the battering ram that helped inspire Exeter to their first ever win at Franklin's Gardens in November 2014 and who has been so influential this season, has been suffocated out of this one so far.
Get Involved at #bbcrugby
Kick-off
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
And action resumes as Franklin's Gardens with JJ Hanrahan kicking off.
HT: Northampton 8-0 Exeter
It hasn't been pretty and far from clinical from Northampton. But they have the lead.
For a side that sits fifth and smarting from their Boxing Day defeat to London Irish, being ahead in-front of a packed crowd at Franklin's Gardens against high-flying Exeter is a positive worth taking.
However, it must be said that Jim Mallinder will demand more from his Saints sides if they are to get the better of the Chiefs this afternoon.
Plenty more to come
The year's first Premiership action is just getting started, with four of the remaining five matches of this round of fixtures coming on Saturday.
The headline fixture sees leaders Saracens hosts third-placed Leicester at 15:15 GMT.
Sunday's only game sees Harlequins travel to Worcester.
Of course, you can follow all the action right here on the BBC sport website as we bring live text commentaries across the weekend.
HT: Northampton 8-0 Exeter
Ian Hunter's thoughts are certainly shared by the Chiefs' social media team!
Post update
HT: Northampton 8-0 Exeter
Ian Hunter
Former Northampton Saints and England wing on 5 Live sports extra
Half-time
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
Northampton dominate the opening 40 minutes, but only have a Mike Haywood try and JJ Hanrahan penalty to show for it.
Exeter producing little in the way of attacking rugby, but have defended doggedly. And they have needed to as their penalty count has put them under a lot of unnecessary pressure at times.
Post update
Lennie Newman
Former Northampton Saints player and manager
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
Scrum. Reset. Penalty. Line-out. Pressure. Exeter survive.
The Chiefs are parked deep in defence, but refuse to be breached.
Tom Collins gets caught up in the moment and attempts to give Saints the hurry on with a chip kick over the top. This time, however. it is a poor from the winger and Northampton have nothing to show from their efforts once again.
Post update
Lennie Newman
Former Northampton Saints player and manager
Penalty (Hanrahan)
Northampton 8-0 Exeter
Northampton opt to tee up the points and punish Exeter for offside.
It is one penalty too many from the visitors and from well within kicking distance, JJ Hanrahan slots it over and gives Saints the very least of what they deserve.
Northampton 5-0 Exeter
Rare period of Exeter dominance sees the Chiefs move the ball calmly across field and back again looking for a weakness in Northampton's defence.
However, it all comes undone as the visitors try and press their case a little too hard and the ball is spilled. Better from Exeter, but yet to truly test Saints.
Northampton 5-0 Exeter
A setback for Northampton as Kahn Fotuali'i limps off with what looks like a hamstring injury. The Samoan looked dangerous more than once with his pace. On comes Lee Dickson.
Northampton 5-0 Exeter
Ben Foden makes something out of nothing, running on to meet a high ball over the top.
The break is on as the ball spills for Saints and in a flash they are pressing for the try-line. Eventually, the attack fizzles out, but the warning was clear from the hosts as they press forward in waves.
Post update
Ian Hunter
Former Northampton Saints and England wing
Try (Haywood, missed con Hanrahan)
Northampton 5-0 Exeter
Northampton, camped in the right corner and heaping pressure on Exeter's defence until they finally broke.
And it is from the line out that they get the break, Mike Haywood the man that eventually crashes over.
Conversion from out wide comes off the post from JJ Hanrahan.
Northampton 0-0 Exeter
Plenty of territory and repeat phases for Saints in their attacking half. Must be said that they have failed to make the most of their possession in the opening 15 minutes.
Poor handling has been the hosts' undoing more than once, but Exeter's defence has been stubborn. Their scrum, however, is being overrun and allows Saints to pin Exeter onto their own try-line.
Northampton 0-0 Exeter
Early penalties allowing both sides to kick themselves into good field position. And with ball in hand, neither outfit looking shy about moving it through hands.
Victor Matfield leaves the field with a bloodied nose for Northampton, allowing Christian Day to join the action. He comes into a game that has started at a high tempo with Saints back on the attack, but Exeter are holding strong.
Post update
Lennie Newman
Former Northampton Saints player and manager
Northampton 0-0 Exeter
These two sides muscling up in a big way, the power generated early on at the scrum is enough to generate roars of appreciation from the the Northampton fans as Exeter's Ben Moon goes down in the scrum.
A long kick down field and a neat grubber kick through see Saints go over and Tom Collins dots down, but it is no try as there is a forward pass.
Form guide
Northampton 0-0 Exeter
Two sides with a very different run of form just getting a feel for one another in the early minutes on a biting cold day at Franklin's Gardens.
Northampton's inconsistent start to the season took on somewhat of a dismal tone on Boxing Day when they were overcome by the previously winless London Irish. If you were to look further into their form in December, they have failed to generate any momentum in the European Champions Cup, having managed a draw against Racing Metro at home after being well beaten by the French side in the away tie.
Conversely, Exeter have dropped just two possible league points in a run of six straight wins since losing at Bath on the opening day of the delayed 2015-16 season in mid-October.
A win today takes them top for 24 hours at least as leaders Saracens host Leicester on Saturday.
Kick-off
Northampton 0-0 Exeter
Exeter get the action underway.
Northampton in their traditional black, green and gold, while Exeter are in all white.
Get Involved
#bbcrugby
Fancy Northampton getting back to their more formidable ways with a win to start 2016? Or maybe the rise-and-rise of Exeter has captured your imagination, and you are busting at the seams to tell the twitterverse all about it.
While many will be getting caught up in the hype of what the new year will bring, we have just waved farewell to what was a huge 2015 of rugby union. What were your highlights, or if you are an England rugby fan, the lowlight?
Get in touch with us using #bbcrugby to share your thoughts.
Team news
Northampton v Exeter (15:00 GMT)
Replacements: Taione, Rimmer, Low, Atkins, White, Lewis, Hooley, Short.
Big team news out of Exeter for this one sees Italy international Michele Campagnaro make his first Premiership start in the centre.
Having been impressive off the bench in the 33-17 Boxing Day home win over Sale, he comes in alongside Ian Whitten, while winger Olly Woodburn gets the nod ahead of James Short, who drops to the bench.
Also, Exeter recall England's Tom Johnson to replace Julian Salvi at open-side flanker, with Ben White on the bench.
Team news
Northampton v Exeter (15:00 GMT)
Replacements: Hartley, E Waller, Denman, Day, Paterson, Dickson, Myler, Mallinder.
Northampton make six changes for the visit of Exeter after going down to London Irish earlier in the week.
Tom Collins and JJ Hanrahan come into the back line following the boxing day loss to the previously winless Irish side, while Alex Waller, Mikey Haywood, Victor Matfield and Sam Dickinson are all recalled in the pack.
Kicking off 2016
Northampton v Exeter (1500 GMT)
Welcome and Happy New Year to one and all.
To kick-off the year of the fire monkey (yes, I know, Chinese New Year is next month) we have a tantalising Premiership encounter at Franklin's Gardens between giants of the English game, Northampton and the rising power that is Exeter.
The hosts will have one very clear resolution in mind for 2016, and that is to turn their inconsistent start to the campaign into something... well, something more Saints' like and start climb from fifth in the table where they reside at the moment.
For Exeter, the faithful from Devon will be singling loud and proud that they fancy 2016 as the year of the Chiefs. Victory today, and they go top of the table for 24 hours at least.
There may be two thirds of the campaign yet to come, but this fixture may have a lot to say for both sides.