If there were any lingering doubts about Northampton’s ability to sustain a title push they can be unequivocally put to bed after a mighty victory over Saracens. Five tries, an intensity that went missing last week and a masterclass at fly-half from Fin Smith tightened their hold on top spot of the Premiership, and gave their sellout crowd reason to believe this will be their year.
They were thumped last week as the league resumed after an eight-week break and their 10-match winning run was unceremoniously broken by Bristol, who ran in 52 points. Could Northampton respond? They did so emphatically against last season’s champions who were not at their imperious best – none more out of sorts than Owen Farrell, who was eclipsed by the supreme Smith.
