Gustard questions Saints’ legality

HARLEQUINS supremo Paul Gustard felt his side were harshly treated at the breakdown.

He lamented: “Saints' breakdown work in week one was heavily penalised and today it wasn't. Is that us not being good enough or them being brilliant? I felt frustrated. They came in at the side, didn't roll away and that's ultimately cost us the game.”

By contrast, Gustard was delighted with his side's commitment. He added: “We showed tenacity, fight, courage and belief. From last season where things didn't go well for Harlequins, the confidence and belief were there for all to see and if I was a Harlequins supporter, I'd be proud of my team today.”

Saints boss Chris Boyd rued his side's misfiring attack. “It was relief in the end and our basic core skills need to be better”, he said. “We were grumpy about our error rate at Gloucester last week and when we get these chances or half-chances, we've got to be more clinical and convert them into points.”

England lock Courtney Lawes produced a storming display. Boyd added: “Both our locks were really good and Heinrich Brussow and Teimana Harrison at the breakdown were as well.”

TEAMS

NORTHAMPTON: Tuala 6, Pisi 5 (Mallinder 22, 7), Burrell 6 (Symons 65, 6), Francis 6, Collins 6, Biggar 7, Reinach 6, Waller (c) 7, (Van Wyk 71, 6), Fish 6 (Hartley 46, 7), Franks 6 (Painter 58, 6), Ribbans 6, Lawes 9, Haskell 6 (Gibson 60, 6), Brussow 8, Harrison 7 Not used: Ratuniyarawa, Mitchell

HARLEQUINS: Morris 6, Walker 6, Marchant 7, Tapuai 6 (Lasike 63, 6), Earle 6, Smith 7 (Lang 71, 7), Care 6 (Mulchrone 63, 6), Lambert 7, Elia 6, Collier 6, Symons 6 (South 58, 6), Glynn 6, White 6 (Bothma 63, 7), Robshaw (c) 7, Chisholm 6. Not used: Crumpton, Auterac, Swainston

REFEREE: Tom Foley

ATTENDANCE: 11,865

Star man

Courtney Lawes – Northampton