Saints open title defence with commanding win over Newcastle

Northampton Saints launched the defence of their English Premiership rugby title with a commanding 59-26 victory over Newcastle Red Bulls at Franklin's Gardens.

Just three months after clinching their second Premiership title against Exeter Chiefs at Allianz Stadium, Saints dominated a heavily rebuilt Newcastle side that brought in 25 new players over the summer. Northampton crossed for nine tries in total, with hat-tricks from James Pater and Tommy Freeman, plus scores from George Hendy, Alex Coles and Ollie Sleightholme. Fly-half Fin Smith orchestrated the performance impressively.

Despite the defeat, Newcastle scored four tries themselves and picked up a losing bonus point, as they hope to avoid finishing bottom of the table for the first time in five seasons. During a first half controlled by the hosts, Christian Wade scored twice for the visitors, including one try described as an impressive end-to-end, side-to-side effort.

Newcastle had two players sin-binned during the match — Harrison Obatoyinbo for a trip and Pouri Rakete-Stones for a dangerous tackle — and those cards allowed Saints to pull further ahead in the second half.

Newcastle's second-half tries came from summer signing Cam Jordan, who joined from Gloucester and scored his first try for the club, and Werner Kok, whose late consolation try secured the bonus point. Henry Pollock, who recently signed a new contract extension worth £400,000, stood out for his power and pace throughout the match.

Afterwards, Northampton's Tommy Freeman said the team still has room to improve defensively and in their opening phases, while Newcastle head coach Dan McFarland said the match showed his side where they need to keep working.