Northampton Saints vs Exeter Chiefs Prediction: Both teams eye their first win of the season

cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens will host game 2 of the Gallagher Premiership between Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs. The two teams started their season with a defeat. How will this encounter unfold?

Northampton Saints will look to respond to their opening game defeat against Bath here. In an encounter that ended 38-16, Northampton Saints scored only 10 points in the first half while conceding 21. However, their second-half performance was below par, scoring only six while conceding 17. Heading into this game, Northampton Saints have three wins in their last matches while losing two. 

Exeter Chiefs could not do well in their opening game encounter against Leicester Tigers and will look to do better here. In that encounter, Exeter Chiefs lost 14-17, with the first half ending 0-3, despite a 14-14 draw in the second half. Heading into this game, Exeter Chiefs have had three defeats in their last five matches, the only two wins in that run being a 17-38 and 58-26 win over Gloucester and Harlequins. 

I will take Northampton Saints in this encounter. The hosts were not too good in the opener, but Exeter Chiefs did not show character against the Leicester Tigers either. The two teams have much to give in this game, but Northampton Saints are still the better team and should be able to get the job done at home.