Northampton began their Premiership title defence with a 59-26 victory over Newcastle, as Tommy Freeman and teenager James Pater both scored hat-tricks in a nine-try display at Franklin's Gardens.
Backs shine in nine-try victory
The defending champions showed slick attacking play throughout, with their fast-moving backs proving difficult to stop. George Hendy also impressed, underlining his claims for an England squad place, while Emmanuel Iyogun had a strong game that will further endear him to the national management.
Newcastle, despite ambitions to escape the league's basement this year, were repeatedly sliced open, although they showed more energy and ambition than has generally been the case in recent times. Christian Wade added two tries to his career collection, but his team never looked like overturning the early season odds.
Pater impresses on promising night
Pater, a 19-year-old full-back, demonstrated rare anticipation and vision. He picked a lovely delayed line for his first try on the left and was again in the right place to touch down with the Red Bulls temporarily down to 14 men after Harrison Obatoyinbo was sent to the sin-bin for a trip.
Northampton secured a try bonus point after just 24 minutes when Freeman scored a juggling try. Archie McParland, who missed out on an England summer tour spot through injury, looked classy, while Iyogun made his presence felt with an excellent turnover and a thumping hit on Obatoyinbo.
Second-half dominance
Newcastle stuck at it, with Wade adding another slick finish in the right corner, but Northampton struck again when Fraser Dingwall put Alex Coles away to make it 31-14 at half-time. On Newcastle's last visit in March, they lost by only 28-27, but in the second half the only question was the size of the home winning margin.
Newcastle introduced Hoskins Sotutu, the England-qualified former All Black, and added further tries through lock Cam Jordan and Werner Kok, but the last quarter was dominated by more free-wheeling Saints ambition. Freeman completed his hat-trick in the 61st minute before Ollie Sleightholme took his side to their half century.
Pater had the final word to cap a highly promising night for both himself and his club. Phil Dowson and Sam Vesty have stressed that Northampton are looking to improve further this season, and they still have injured forwards to return. There will be tougher assignments ahead, but the green machine looks to be moving smoothly through the gears already.
