Review of Newcastle Away: A Saintly win by Northampton

I come into this game with high expectations for saints to win, considering they are champions. Unfortunately, a late injury call by Saints leaves Tom Wood out for this week but newly signed Jon Fisher replaces him to make his first premiership start.

The first 10 minutes demonstrated what we could do. Straight away Newcastle showed how powerful they could be, their attack and defence equally as strong as each other but Saints dominated pretty quickly. A near try by Ken Pisi in the second minute exhibited their potential but then only 2 minutes later, Hooley went over the try line for a polite and not so fancy try, then immediately converts:  4 minutes in, Saints were 0-7 up.

A yellow card is given by Greg Garner for Newcastle number 8 Hoggs, for tackling off the ball. Hooley kicks for a penalty, making it 0-10. Hooleys kicking is very much on point today; Saints reveal a very fast pace and dangerous game.

First silly error by saints was seen in the 9th minute. Burrell beautifully intercepted a pass to then fumble it across the floor; however, still showing authority. Only two minutes later, as Saints shuffle towards the try line, a sudden penalty is given towards Saints. Hooley soon swiftly kicks it over the post for another 3 points. 11 minutes in and Saints are winning 0-13.

Finally, Newcastle start to move forward and go into Saints half, but soon later, a spilt ball gives the chance to Courtney Lawes to grab and run. A few phases later and quick passes from North to Manoa, lets Waller charge over the try line - 14 minutes in. Unfortunately, Hooley does not convert but Saints are winning, 0-18. Perfect start to the game from a Saints fans point of view.

Newcastle suddenly unveils a bit of pace but Saints defence are looking strong. A massive hit by Ma'afu: This results in a TMO decision of being too high around the neck. Newcastle gets a penalty which is easily kicked over by their number 10, Socino, making the score 3-18.

Saints continuously looking dominant: especially in the first scrum of the game, 22 minutes in. Coming out the scrum, the ball goes from Manoa to Fotuali'i. Luckily, Greg Garner blows the whistle to come back for a penalty. Newcastle number 3, Brookes seen illegally bringing down the scrum. Hooley, gracefully slots the ball through the post to make it 3-21, with 23 minutes gone.

Silly errors are costing Newcastle. Another turnover from a spilt ball gives the opportunity for Manoa to pass to Fotuali'i who cheekily offloads to Ken Pisi, who handles well for a try right in front of the posts. Newcastle's defence were too relaxed to catch Pisi as he charges for the line. Another easy converted try by Hooley takes it to 3-29 (26 minutes.)

Courtney keeps enforcing the Lawes with his tackles. Saints defence is incredible, there was only been a few errors. This is then backed up with Saints showing their power in the scrums even when Newcastle are lying on the pressure. On the other hand, attack is looking solid as well: an impressive look by defence and attack.

Newcastle gives away another stupid mistake, knock on again.  This is then countered by George Pisi doing exactly the same thing, Scrum given to Newcastle.

Saints look controlling in attack once again but an unusual error by George North stops us. The ball is taken by Cato who promptly breaks free for Newcastle, which leads into them going past the 5 metre line. Half time is shown on the clock but play still continues. Opportunities are not grabbed and then Newcastle does not release the ball. Defence were too strong for Newcastle to handle.

Half Time whistle goes. Score is 3-28, to Saints.  

Second half and Newcastle Falcons come out raring to go. A slight hint of ambition by Newcastle: this is then backed up by getting closer and closer to the try line, moving through the phases, slowly but surely. No try is achieved by the much better looking side.

Lawes is taken off in the 45 minute with a worrying looking injury to his shoulder. James Craig replaces.

Taken quickly, a tap and go by Newcastle who then make it very close to getting a try. Tuilagi gets taken out by George Pisi, but the game goes back to earlier advantage. Saints are reminded by the ref about discipline.  Saints defending hard denies a try for Newcastle. G. Pisi showing real power in his tackles today.

In the 56th minute Dickson came on for Fotuali'i, Dowson came on for Clark and Denman on for Ma'afu. Kahn Fotuali'i, Salesi Ma'afu and Calum Clark all having good games respectively.

56 minutes in and the game takes a slower pace.

3 minutes later, Dom Waldouck comes on for George Pisi, who in my opinion had a fantastic game. influential hits and good handling skills; unfortunately no try to show his authority in the game, then not soon after, Corbisiero on for Alex Waller in the 62nd minute.

The Game almost goes dormant for 10 minutes until a quick tap and go by Newcastle gives them a try by ex- Saints player Noah Cato. This is then convertered by Socino to make the score 10-28.

Wilson on for Hooley: Hooley had a cracking kicking game with only missing one conversion and Mcmillan on for Hartley: Hartley had a quiet and consistent game but all was positive.

North, with 2 minutes remaining - suddenly puts the rockets on. Dodging past the Newcastle defence, a few passes later and good handling skills by Saints secures them the bonus point try by no other than George North himself. Wilson converts to make the final score 10-35.

Overall, Saints played a dynamic and skilful game. Improvements were seen from last week already. They constantly testified they had the upper hand. They are clearly a controlling side, who will be hard to beat in weeks to come. I hope Saints play with this much dominance and ambition next week when we face Bath at Franklin Gardens.