Harlequins v Northampton Saints: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Champions Cup semi-finalists Harlequins and Northampton meet in the Big Summer Kick-Off on Saturday, with the hosts in need of the points.

The now-annual fixture at Twickenham will give the sides a taste for the big stage, as Quins prepare to take on Toulouse next Sunday, a day after Saints' date with Leinster.

Sat five points clear at the top of the Premiership, and with a home game against Gloucester, who are also focusing on Europe, among their final fixtures, Northampton may look to rest and rotate again after successfully doing so for last weekend's 40-17 victory over Leicester.

After losing 37-31 at Sale, Quins' situation is more precarious. They currently sit fifth, a point outside the play-offs and, with a packed Twickenham crowd behind them, they may feel the onus is on them to put on a show. 

Harlequins v Northampton Saints betting tips and predictions

Harlequins -3 - 10/11

Harlequins' trips across the road to Twickenham have been generally fruitful. They have won one out of two Big Summer Kick-Offs and recorded some positive results in their other annual fixture at HQ, The Big Game, including a 41-27 win over the Saints in 2022.

They are unlikely to be overawed by the occasion and their league position means the victory will mean more to the Quins, especially with a trip to Exeter to come before a potential final round winner-takes-all showdown against fourth-placed Bristol.

Quins may have lost at Sale but played well and always had the potential to struggle to produce a performance following their incredible 42-41 Champions Cup quarter-final win in Bordeaux.

Life has been more routine for Northampton, who battered an underpowered Bulls side 59-22 in their most recent European clash and could afford to use Fin Smith and Tommy Freeman from the bench against the Tigers.

With Leinster at Croke Park looming, more rotation is expected on Saturday, while Quins could go strong in a bid to keep their momentum moving in the right direction.

The Saints have won the last three meetings in all competitions, but they have all been played at Franklin's Gardens and Harlequins could be about to condemn them to just their second defeat since November.  

Cadan Murley anytime tryscorer - SP

Harlequins speedster Cadan Murley has a thing for facing Northampton, scoring five tries in his last five appearances against the Saints.

The 24-year-old went over in last Sunday's defeat at Sale and the victory over Glasgow which preceded that momentous triumph in Bordeaux.

Murley also scored a hat-trick for England A against Portugal in February and can boost his hopes of finally winning a full international cap by shining at Twickenham on Saturday.

Louis Lynagh anytime tryscorer - SP

The other Quins wing, Louis Lynagh, has really come into his own over recent months. After being overlooked by England, the 23-year-old, who also qualifies to play for Australia through his father, legendary Wallaby Michael, was called up by the country of his birth, Italy, ahead of the Six Nations.

He made a try-scoring debut in the Azzurri's win over Scotland and backed it up with another blockbuster display against Wales.

Lynagh has continued that form at club level, scoring a try against Bath and grabbing a brace in the defeat at Sale.

After confirming his summer departure to Benetton, he has additional motivation to end the season with silverware and looks like another player to get behind.

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Harlequins v Northampton Saints odds

Harlequins - 8/13
Tie - 20/1
Northampton - 11/8

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.