Augustus double not enough as Harlequins down Saints

REPORT: Harlequins move into third place in the English Premiership with a 41-27 win over Northampton Saints on Monday.

England flyhalf Marcus Smith was ruled out on Sunday after a positive test, but Harlequins showed they can thrive without their talisman.

Will Edwards was an able deputy for Smith as the 72 785 crowd at Twickenham were entertained by a combined nine tries from both teams.

Harlequins number eight Alex Dombrandt was also at the heart of the champions’ victory with his three tries and intelligent running.

England open their Six Nations against Scotland on February 5 and Dombrandt’s compelling performance will have given Eddie Jones plenty to reflect upon.

Two early tries for Juarno Augustus and one for Alex Waller were not enough for Northampton after they raced into an early 21-7 lead.

The scorers:

For Harlequins
Tries: Dombrandt 3, Murley 2, Lynagh
Cons: Edwards 3, Esterhuizen
Pen: Edwards

For Northampton Saints
Tries: Augustus 2, Waller
Cons: Biggar 3
Pens: Biggar 2