A James Ramm double has helped Northampton thrash Harlequins 46-17 in the English Premiership on Sunday as they kicked off 2023 by ending a run of four successive defeats in all competitions.
Saints moved up to fifth place in the Premiership, two points behind their out-classed opponents, after a dominant display on New Year's Day at Franklin's Gardens.
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Despite retaining their place in the top four, Harlequins have much to work on following this lacklustre performance.
Ramm scored his first in the 17th minute as the hosts raced out to an early lead, before some great interchange with fellow winger Tommy Freedman gave him a double at the break
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto followed the Waratah over after the break as Northampton fly-half Fin Smith kicked two conversions before going off injured, with Furbank adding two penalties and three conversions for a 17-point haul.
A Tommy Allan penalty proved Harlequins' solitary contribution to the scoreboard until Jordan Els and Nick David claimed late tries, both converted by Will Edwards.
Meanwhile, Owen Farrell took centre stage as Saracens responded to their surprise defeat by London Irish with a 35-3 thrashing of bitter rivals Exeter.
It was Exeter's largest league defeat for over two years as England mainstay Farrell provided one of the highlights of the match when his no-look, reverse pass, sent in Alex Lewington for one of Saracens' five tries as they went 10 points clear at the top of the table.
Saracens coach Joe Shaw was in no doubt of the 31-year-old Farrell's enduring qualities as they went 10 points clear at the top of the table.
"If you know anything about rugby you realise what an unbelievable and special talent we have had for this generation," he said.
"He has just turned 31, he has got (over) 100 caps for England, been on three (British and Irish) Lions tours, won everything domestically and captained his country. He is absolutely fantastic."
