Collins says Saints youngsters will only get stronger

A youthful Northampton side claimed an impressive 37-23 victory over Newcastle Falcons in the LV= Cup opener at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday.

It was a slick team performance from a side containing just one survivor - Christian Day - from the previous week’s Champions Cup win against Ospreys.

Collins’ double caught the eye, with further scores from Teimana Harrison, Mike Haywood and Howard Packman ensuring the bonus point was secured.

And with Friday’s LV= Cup trip to Scarlets followed by Aviva Premiership games against Exeter, Saracens and London Welsh, Saints will need more of the same in the coming weeks.

“Saturday’s was a great game, and it was good to get back out there against a tough side like Newcastle,” said Collins.

“It was difficult at times but it was good to get some of the youth together, have a good game with them.

“Obviously we haven’t played together a lot so I’m hoping over the next two, three weeks we’ll build on what we did on Saturday.

“Hopefully we can go on and get some more wins together with the internationals away.”

Haywood’s try was a particular highlight as it was a flowing team move finished well by the hooker.

And Collins believes there is plenty more to come from he and his team-mates, who are being given a chance to shine in the absence of the international stars.

“All the tries were team tries,” he said. “It was all someone making a break, our exits put together well and it just built together.

“Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we’ll build on what we did on Saturday.

“We’re getting stronger and stronger and hopefully throughout the weeks to come we can carry that on.”