Northampton Saints have defeated Exeter Chiefs 38-11 at Franklin's Gardens to start their Aviva Premiership campaign with a bonus-point win.

The hosts were rampant during the first half as Dylan Hartley, Ken Pisi, Tom Wood and George Pisi all scored tries.

Stephen Myler added a further 11 points with the boot, while Gareth Steenson kicked over two penalties for the visitors as Northampton went in 31-6 ahead at the break.

There was little to separate the teams at the start of the second half until Exeter captain Dean Mumm went over for the visitors with an hour on the clock.

However, Northampton put the gloss on a successful afternoon in the final few minutes as Samu Manoa's try was converted by Myler.