Jim Mallinder savours special win
Northampton boss Jim Mallinder says his side produced one of the best ever Premiership performances to destroy Bath 31-10 over the weekend.
Northampton dominated a match that was expected to be tight due to the undefeated starts that both clubs had made to the season. However, Northampton cashed in on a number of Bath errors to move top of
the Premiership.
Northampton is in good form and now looks the strongest rugby club in England. Mallinder was pleased with the way his side played against Bath and says there are many positives to be taken over to the
next few weeks.
Northampton is playing well across a number of different areas. However, the season is very long and there is still a lot of time for the club's title rivals to recover and react.
Playing well
Northampton is moving the rugby ball around the pitch very quickly. This is difficult to defend against because it moves defensive players out of position and creates gaps. These tactics make it very difficult
for an opposition side to win the ball back.
The passing within the Northampton team is superb. There is not a single player that gives away possession easily. Central and wide players link very well because there are always players providing options
in these areas. Passing from line-outs and scrums looks just as positive.
The kicking in the team is very efficient. Shane Geraghty and Stephen Myler are taking all of the penalty and conversion kicks. They rarely miss and this gives the club a chance to score points when other
areas of the team are not playing so well.
Mallinder said: "That performance was right up there with our best. The first half was exciting when Bath looked dangerous but we did well not to concede a try. The difference came in the opening period
of the second half."
The real test
The real test will be whether Northampton is able to keep this good form up over the course of a long season. There is ample time for Northampton's title rivals to react and produce equally impressive
displays.
Northampton has not put a single foot wrong so far this season and pundits have questioned how long this will continue. All Premiership sides are prone to having blips over a season and this will give
Bath, Leicester and Saracens the chance to gain points on Mallinder's men.
The club is also going to need to guard against complacency. There has not been a strong challenge yet this season and the ease with which Northampton defeated Bath could mean a few players start taking
results for granted.
He added: "The forwards got totally on top; we totally dominated in the scrums. Some of our driving play was excellent and we got some good quality quick ball. I'm delighted to have won this game but we
won't get carried away."
Betting advice
Northampton has looked very good over the first three games of the season. Back Mallinder's side to win the league because it's clear the Saints tick every single box on the check list.
Myler looks the best bet to be top scorer at Northampton by the end of the season. He is kicking very well and is getting more chances to score than many other players.
However, if you prefer backing outfield players then winger Chris Ashton can score in any game. Ashton bagged a brace against Bath and take a punt on him scoring at any time in any match. His pace out
wide is lethal and no side has found an effective way of defending against him.
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