The Saracens empire is at an end; the Saints go marching on. On a raucous night in Northampton where Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens rocked with an intensity and fervour seldom sighted in English club rugby, the hosts denied Owen Farrell a last tango at Twickenham with a performance that showcased their champion qualities.
All season long Northampton have led the way with brilliance and brawn but this represented a test of their bottle, serial winners in town with every reason to make these last weeks with Farrell and co count.
