Exeter Chiefs 12 Northampton Saints 13: Tom Vickers' review and player ratings

It was February 8, 2014 when Jim Mallinder’s men edged their way to a narrow 17-16 win at Exeter.

And, on February 20, 2021, 10 defeats from as many visits later, Saints did it again.

They rolled up their sleeves and got the job done late on, just as they did on that day seven years ago.

Back in 2014, Saints were a team who were expected to win games away to tough teams in tough conditions.

They had an all-court game that encompassed substance and style.

Fast forward to the present day, and it looks like they may just be starting to possess that kind of all-round strength again.

Because while Chris Boyd’s Northampton have often been lauded for their silk, the praise for their steel has been largely lacking.

They are seen as a team who can defeat teams with a flowing attack rather than a solid set piece.

But on the Sandy Park mudpatch on a Saturday afternoon, they produced a statement performance.

Their forwards stepped up, in attack and defence, delivering a display that was full of desire and energy.

Time and again, Exeter camped on Saints’ line.

And so often that has been a recipe for disaster for Saints at Sandy Park.

Not this time.

More often than not, Boyd’s men found a way out.

They defended for their lives and then completely dominated the scrum.

They scored from a powerful lineout drive, providing Shaun Adendorff with his fourth try in three games - and Saints have won all of them.

They are now on a four-match winning streak that has propelled them into the Premiership top four.

And while they have still got some way to go before they can have the kind of lofty expectations the 2013/14 group had, the flame of hope is certainly burning bright again.

How they rated...

AHSEE TUALA

A tough day for full-backs and he did drop the ball once but he did most of his other duties well enough in a big team effort... 7

MATT PROCTOR

Looked sharp for Saints again as he tried to get the team on the front foot with ball in hand and did nothing wrong defensively either... 7.5

RORY HUTCHINSON

Has had his defence questioned on a few occasions over the years but there was no questioning this display as he stood tall against far bigger men time and again... 8

PIERS FRANCIS

Was Saints' kicking king on the day, landing three tough kicks from four attempts, despite the fact that conditions underfoot were dreadful, and he was superb in open-play also... 9

OLLIE SLEIGHTHOLME

What a day for the young wing as he saved one try, racing back to deny Ollie Devoto, and then showed great speed and awareness to stop Joe Simmonds landing the late conversion... 8.5

GEORGE FURBANK

Found himself in the sin bin during the second half as he paid the price for persistent Saints offending, but overall it was a decent fly-half display in difficult conditions... 7

ALEX MITCHELL

Was given a tough time by Exeter as they gave him little time on the ball, with one such incident costing Saints possession, but he still played his part for the team... 7

ALEX WALLER

The co-captain seemed to relish the conditions and he was certainly strong in the scrum as Saints took Exeter on to great effect... 8

SAM MATAVESI

What a find this man is proving to be as he continues to display a good all-round game that has been key in the fine run of form... 8

EHREN PAINTER

Got a rare start and didn't let his team down, taking Exeter on in contact and enjoying the scrum battle... 7.5

DAVID RIBBANS

Game after game, the lock fronts up, and his power and desire has been so important in the Saints revival... 8.5

API RATUNIYARAWA

A gargantuan display of physicality from the Fiji lock, who was so good in contact and who kept composed with ball in hand... 8.5

NICK ISIEKWE

A towering presence, he had an impact on the set piece and used his immense physicality to great effort on numerous occasions... 8.5

LEWIS LUDLAM - CHRON STAR MAN

Are you watching, Eddie Jones? The flanker delivered an Test-match-style display, appearing to be everywhere at once as he influenced the game hugely in attack and defence... 9

SHAUN ADENDORFF

Another big performance from the South African No.8, who looks right at home at Saints now. Scored his fourth try in three games... 8.5

Replacements (who played more than 20 minutes)

PAUL HILL (for Painter 40)

Helped Saints to maintain their dominance in the scrum and also defended really well for his team... 8

HARRY MALLINDER (for Tuala 51)

A great cameo from the full-back, who showed just why Saints will be so glad to have him back. Used his big boot to good effect and was strong under the high ball... 8

NICK AUTERAC (for Waller 52)

Played his part in the huge forward effort and will now be hoping for more minutes in the weeks and months to come... 7.5