Exeter ran in five tries and smashed the Sale Sharks 43-6 in the season opener at Sandy Park on Saturday.
A brace of tries from experienced winger Matthew Jess helped to ensure a winning start to the new season for the Chiefs
Most of the damage in this game was done in the second half, though Sale never threatened to challenge their hosts' dominance.
Ignacio Mieres got the scoreboard ticking over within the first five minutes with a penalty, and the Argentinian then crossed for a try before striking a second penalty to give his side an 11-point lead.
Nick MacLeod responded with a penalty shortly after, but Exeter restored their advantage on the stroke of half-time with a third Mieres penalty.
The Chiefs then put real daylight between the two teams in the opening stages of the second half courtesy of an Allistair Muldowney try, converted by Mieres, and, though MacLeod stemmed the tide with a second penalty, the remainder of the match would belong to the dominant hosts.
Jess's first try of the afternoon just before the hour made it 26-6, before further scores from Tom Johnson, a second from Jess, and Chris Budgen with just over five minutes remaining rounded off a fine opening day for the Devon outfit.
Mercifully, replacement kicker Gareth Steenson could only convert one of the final four Exeter tries, keeping the home tally below 50.
Jess was the outstanding performer for the Chiefs, who appear well-equipped to continue their progress following two impressive seasons at the top level of English club rugby.
The Sale coaching staff, meanwhile, were left with more questions than answers and will undoubtedly be demanding improvement from the players for next week's visit of Saracens.
The scorers:
For Exeter:
Tries: Budgen, Jess 2, Johnson, Mieres, Muldowney
Cons: Mieres, Steenson
Pens: Mieres 3
For Sale:
Pens: Macleod 2
Exeter Chiefs:15 Phil Dollman, 14 Josh Tatupu, 13 Ian Whitten, 12 Jason Shoemark, 11 Matt Jess, 10 Ignacio Mieres, 9 Will Chudley, 8 Richard Baxter, 7 James Scaysbrook, 6 Tom Johnson, 5 Aly Muldowney, 4 Tom Hayes (capt), 3 Craig Mitchell, 2 Chris Whitehead, 1 Brett Sturgess.
Replacements: 16 Simon Alcott, 17 Ben Moon, 18 Chris Budgen, 19 James Hanks, 20 James Phillips, 21 Kevin Barrett, 22 Gareth Steenson, 23 Luke Arscott.
Sale Sharks: 15 Rob Miller, 14 Will Addison, 13 Johnny Leota, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Corne Uys, 10 Nick Macleod, 9 Dwayne Peel, 8 Andy Powell, 7 David Seymour (c), 6 James Gaskell, 5 Fraser McKenzie, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Vadim Cobilas, 2 Joe Ward, 1 Eifion Lewis-Roberts.
Replacements: 16 Marc Jones, 17 Ross Harrison, 18 Tony Buckley, 19 Kearnan Myall, 20 Richie Vernon, 21 Cillian Willis, 22 Danny Cipriani, 23 Jordan Davies.
Referee: Andrew Small
Comments
Centre12 says...
I love everything about this Exeter team, not many big names individually but boy do they function well as a team, which ultimately is the most important thing I guess, Rob Baxter you have done ever so well!!!!!!!!!
Posted 13:38 02nd September 2012
melkdave says...
Always thought the hallooboloo about Sale was premature,yes made some good signings ,but its way to early for those players to have gelled ect.Im also not to sure they will be enough either,to make Sale contenders ,as PR suggested.Think they may struggle a bit this season to be honest..As for Exeter well the dream jcontinues ,,maybe even pushing for a playoff place again this year,who knows.
Posted 00:55 02nd September 2012