Northampton Saints vs Harlequins Prediction: Saints’ youngsters too strong for visiting Quins

The PREM Rugby Cup provides a glimpse into the future and both Northampton and Harlequins have selected young sides for Saturday's match at Franklin's Gardens.

Saints' sole outing so far in this season's competition was a 49-34 win at Saracens to leave them second behind Leicester in Pool B, with the Tigers having made it three wins from three thanks to Friday's 10-8 victory at Newcastle Red Bulls.

Quins have thus far lost 26-14 to the Red Bulls and 25-17 at home to Leicester and their starlets could be in for a chastening afternoon at the Gardens.

Team News

Number eight Sam Graham captains the Saints' young side, which features an average age of just 22.8.

The team includes three debutants in wing Tom Rowe, prop Oliver Scola and hooker Marco Manfredi.

Summer signing Anthony Belleau guides the side from fly-half while Quins have two debutants, openside flanker Seb Driscoll and outside centre Frank McMillan.

Back-rower Tate Williams and three-quarter Josh Bellamy are also set for their first senior appearances for the London club.

Northampton Saints vs Harlequins Odds

Northampton are 1/10 for a second PREM Rugby Cup win from as many outings, while Quins are 11/2 to triumph at the third time of asking.

The tie is available at 22/1.

Northampton Saints - 14 @ 1/1

After waving goodbye to several stalwarts following their Grand Final victory at Twickenham in June 2024, injuries and international absences left those behind exposed.

The board clearly acknowledged these shortcomings and recruited well with Danilo Fischetti, JJ Van der Mescht and Callum Chick adding power up front.

However, French fly-half Belleau's acquisition from Clermont might be their best bit of business.

The 29-year-old previously won 12 caps for France, but may have been born in the wrong era, as he is a year younger than Thomas Ramos and three years older than Romain Ntamack and Matthieu Jalibert.

Joining Northampton means he should get chances, like on Saturday, when Fin Smith is away with England.

A lack of cover for Smith was an issue last term, with scrum-halves and centres often pressed into the first receiver role with mixed results.

His Quins' counterpart on Saturday, Jamie Benson, is a talented player, but has played most of his rugby at 12 due to Marcus Smith and Jarrod Evans being around.

Belleau's game management may be a bit shaky but PREM Rugby Cup games are often more open and that plays to his strengths.

Harlequins have lost their last seven away in all competitions and with a fairly scratch side out, may lack cohesion and urgency.

Northampton's youngsters should have room to roam in front of their home crowd and a decent Saints' win is to be expected.

Click here for the latest Rugby Union Odds

Find more Rugby Union Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights