The two sides that finished top and bottom of the Gallagher Prem table last season meet on the opening night of the new 2026/27 campaign, as Northampton Saints host Newcastle Red Bulls at Franklin’s Gardens on Friday night.
With 62 points separating these two clubs at the end of the last campaign, these are two sides in contrasting stages of their development.
While the gulf in the table between Northampton and Newcastle was huge, matches between these sides have been far more evenly-matched of late and there's certainly value to be had looking at the handicap market in this one.
Northampton Saints v Newcastle Red Bulls Tips Summary
Best Bet - Newcastle Red Bulls +22.5 handicap @ 4/5
Alternative Bet - Tommy Freeman two or more tries @ 2/1
Bet Builder - Under 72.5 total points, Henry Pollock & Christian Wade anytime tryscorers @ 9/1
Northampton Saints v Newcastle Red Bulls Prediction
Best Bet: Newcastle Red Bulls +22.5 handicap @ 4/5
Northampton had a less-than-convincing start to last season, drawing their opening Prem game at home to the Exeter Chiefs 33-33, before finding a way to win 37-35 at Gloucester.
Saints should make a winning start to this campaign but don’t expect the hosts to already be in top gear at Franklin's Gardens this week.
Northampton have dominated this fixture against Newcastle in recent years, winning each of their last 10 league meetings with the Red Bulls.
However, the Saints have had to work hard for their victories of late, with two of their last three wins coming by just a single point.
Their most recent clash at Franklin's Gardens in March was another nervy affair, as Phil Dowson’s men held on for a narrow 28-27 victory.
While Saints have the England stars in the likes of Fin Smith, Tommy Freeman and Henry Pollock to come out on top on Friday, Newcastle are hard to ignore with a substantial +22.5 handicap here.
Alternative Bet: Tommy Freeman two or more tries @ 2/1
Already mentioned as a key figure for Saints, look out for England and British & Irish Lions winger Freeman in this game.
Freeman finished last season strongly, scoring tries in all of his last three Prem games, including one in the Grand Final win over Exeter Chiefs at Allianz Stadium.
Scoring three or more tries in four Prem matches last season, Freeman is fancied to score at least a brace on Friday night at Franklin’s Gardens.
Northampton Saints v Newcastle Red Bulls Bet Builder Tip
Under 72.5 total points
Henry Pollock anytime tryscorer
Christian Wade anytime tryscorer
Pays 9/1
Going for under 72.5 total points would have landed in all of the last 11 meetings between these sides and that trend is backed to continue.
Pollock, fresh from extending his contract with Saints, will be determined to justify his new wage at Franklin’s Gardens.
Scoring 10 tries in all competitions for last season, Pollock has shown what a threat he is with ball in hand and the back-rower is fancied to score in this opening game.
Former Wasps star Christian Wade starts this season fit and raring to go and, after scoring four tries for the Red Bulls last season, the 35-year-old winger is backed to go over for the visitors in this one.
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Key Match Stats
Sixty-two points separated these sides in the Prem standings at the end of last season
Northampton Saints have won their last 10 Prem games against Newcastle Red Bulls
Two of the last three Prem games between these sides have ended in victory for Northampton by a single point
Newcastle’s last win over Northampton at Franklin’s Gardens in the Prem was back in 2018 with a 16-14 victory
Read more rugby union betting tips and predictions on site.
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.
