Henry Slade's Exeter Chiefs form impresses Gareth Steenson

Gareth Steenson was the first to console Henry Slade after he missed a game-winning drop goal at bath in the opening round of the Premiership

Exeter's Gareth Steenson says he has been impressed with the improvement of England's Henry Slade since he returned from the World Cup.

The pair, who vied for Exeter's fly-half spot at times last season, have have both played in the last two games, with Slade at centre.

"The combination's working really well at the minute," Steenson said.

"He's brought a lot back to his game, it's transformed him and we've just got to try and keep up with it."

Slade featured just once for England at the World Cup, scoring a try in the win over Uruguay after the hosts had been eliminated.

He was overlooked in favour of Sam Burgess for the match against Wales match after Jonathan Joseph was injured in the win over Fiji.

Steenson has assumed Exeter's kicking duties in his three starts this season, but told BBC Sport: "He brings a lot of the ability that a 10 has, the chat that he comes with is really impressive.

"It makes life a lot easier to know that you've got another kicking option outside you and another guy who can play at 10 on the field.

"We do have plenty of guys to come through and Sladey being away at the World Cup, he's probably picked up a lot more and learned a lot of lessons off other guys in that position."