Highlights: Chiefs v Sharks

It’s a sign of the times that even when Rob Baxter carries out a major overhaul of his Exeter Chiefs side, they continue to ooze class in this season’s Gallagher Premiership.

Not exactly the same vintage as their two previous wins against Leicester Tigers and Wasps, this season’s pace-setters maintained their perfect start - recording another five-point haul - as they overcame rivals Sale Sharks in a hard-fought encounter at Sandy Park.

Tries from Santiago Cordero, Jonny Hill, Jack Maunder Tom Lawday and Alex Cuthbert were the key highlights for the Devonians, while playmakers Joe Simmonds and Gareth Steenson completed the job with five conversions between them.

Sale, however, played their part in an entertaining contest which was much tighter than the final scoreline suggested. Marland Yarde and Bryn Evans each found their way over the try-line for the Sharks, while fly-half AJ MacGinty weighed in with the other eight points.

The victory ensured not only that Baxter’s side remain at the table-top, but ensured for the first time in the Premiership they have recorded wins in their opening three games of a new season.