Northampton boss Phil Dowson said “relief ” was his biggest feeling after Exeter had fought back to give Saints a late scare.
He praised man-of-the-match Fin Smith for his contribution and the growing confidence of the fly-half which puts him firmly in contention for an England spot this autumn: “There’s a lot of competition, but he’s definitely in the conversation.”
Dowson said he was still awaiting a full verdict on the neck injury which has meant England scrum-half Alex Mitchell has yet to start this season, adding: “Hopefully we should have clarity next week.”
Exeter boss Rob Baxter tried to be upbeat despite a second defeat of the season: “I’m delighted we got a losing bonus point from a display where we have done some pretty odd things. We have to stick at it – we will get there.”
Baxter was frustrated at his team’s play immediately after half-time following Josh Hodge’s penalty. “We go from kicking a penalty to not doing anything right.”
The best betting sites
