Northampton Saints surged to the top of the Premiership table with a scintillating 10-try performance, outclassing Harlequins 66-21 in an exhilarating encounter at Franklin's Gardens.
The hosts, who were briefly displaced from first place by Bath's dramatic victory over Exeter earlier in the day, responded emphatically to their opponents' early momentum with a blistering opening quarter. Danilo Fischetti, Alex Coles, Alex Mitchell, and Tommy Freeman all dotted down before half-time, leaving Harlequins trailing 33-14.
The visitors managed to claw some respectability back into the game after the interval, but Saints continued to wreak havoc on their opponents' defence with a succession of tries from Edoardo Todaro, Fin Smith, Coles, and another brace for the Italian winger.
The only consolation for Harlequins was a second score from Cassius Cleaves and Dombrandt, but it was ultimately too little, too late. The Saints' 10-try romp left them two points clear at the top of the table.
Northampton head coach Sam Vesty hailed his team's performance as "fantastic" and "dangerous when we're like that", while also acknowledging a slight improvement in their defence over the second half. Alex Coles was particularly praised for his all-around skills, which included notching three tries, offloading to his teammates with ease.
The result left Harlequins head coach Jason Gilmore bemoaning the team's inability to sustain momentum and win big games consistently. "If you keep copping those defeats, it's not going to be sustainable," he said.
For Saints, the victory marked a triumphant return to the top of the Premiership table.
The hosts, who were briefly displaced from first place by Bath's dramatic victory over Exeter earlier in the day, responded emphatically to their opponents' early momentum with a blistering opening quarter. Danilo Fischetti, Alex Coles, Alex Mitchell, and Tommy Freeman all dotted down before half-time, leaving Harlequins trailing 33-14.
The visitors managed to claw some respectability back into the game after the interval, but Saints continued to wreak havoc on their opponents' defence with a succession of tries from Edoardo Todaro, Fin Smith, Coles, and another brace for the Italian winger.
The only consolation for Harlequins was a second score from Cassius Cleaves and Dombrandt, but it was ultimately too little, too late. The Saints' 10-try romp left them two points clear at the top of the table.
Northampton head coach Sam Vesty hailed his team's performance as "fantastic" and "dangerous when we're like that", while also acknowledging a slight improvement in their defence over the second half. Alex Coles was particularly praised for his all-around skills, which included notching three tries, offloading to his teammates with ease.
The result left Harlequins head coach Jason Gilmore bemoaning the team's inability to sustain momentum and win big games consistently. "If you keep copping those defeats, it's not going to be sustainable," he said.
For Saints, the victory marked a triumphant return to the top of the Premiership table.
. I mean, Alex Coles is a genius on the field - three tries and he's always looking for offloads? 
And that defence is looking way more solid than it did last season, big ups to Sam Vesty for getting them sorted! But Harlequins gotta step up their game if they wanna keep up with these Saints 
.
! Their 10-try performance was absolutely insane, and it's clear they're a team to be reckoned with. But, you know, I've gotta say... their defense has been a bit inconsistent at times 
. Like, I get that they were playing an amazing game on the front foot, but when Harlequins were trying to mount a comeback, Saints' D just wasn't looking that solid.
! His all-around skills are insane, and he's always causing problems for opposing defenders. And Sam Vesty seems like a top coach - his team's confidence is really shining through.
... but overall, what a win for the Saints, and I'm hyped to see how they continue to perform! 
️
they cant even sustain momentum in one game what does that say about their whole season? anyway, gotta give props to alex coles though, three tries is no joke 
And the way they responded to Harlequins' early momentum was so impressive. Saints just dominated the game after half-time and it was almost over for Harlequins. 
Alex Coles is definitely one to watch, he's got some serious skills! 
i'm loving this Premiership season so far, it's been so intense 
with 3 tries already and it kept getting better for them. sam vesty must be so proud of his team 
. Sam Vesty's coaching is spot on, he's got his team clicking on all cylinders. And that Alex Coles, mate, he's a beast! Three tries and offloading to his teammates? That's what I'm talking about 