Northampton surged into the Premiership play-off positions with an impressive display, crossing the try-line six times to defeat a heavily-rotated Saracens side.
Despite being the league leaders, Saracens opted to rest several of their key internationals, and their woes were compounded when Duncan Taylor received a red card in the eighth minute, leaving them with a numerical disadvantage.
The centre was sent off for head-on-head contact with Fin Smith.
Northampton capitalized on the situation, showcasing their attacking prowess and clinical finishing as they crossed the try-line on six occasions.
Duncan Taylor red card:
“Awful from Smith” – Three England hopefuls who flopped this weekend
These three England hopefuls did their chances no favours with poor performances during the Gallagher Premiership this weekend.
#1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
The performance of the England captain in the intense forward battle against the formidable visiting pack was marred by his continuous infractions at the set-piece, drawing the ire of referee Luke Pearce right from the start.
However, his luck seemed to hold when he received only a yellow card for a reckless tackle on his international teammate Tom Curry.
Despite escaping a more severe punishment, his frustration was palpable as he engaged in a heated exchange with the Sale flanker off the ball immediately after the incident, displaying a lack of composure in a critical moment.
One fan wrote: “How did Ellis Genge not receive a Red Card there is mind-boggling ? That’s a Red Card all day long. Genge shoulder hits Curry’s head. Bristol down to 14 men for 10 mins.”
A second commented: “Look, I love Ellis Genge. But I don’t know what more he had to do in that tackle for it to be red.”
“Ellis Genge has got away with one there,” said a third.
