Opposition view: Not much coaching genius behind Quins' win at Saints, says Gustard

Quins ran riot as they scored six times in a comprehensive away victory against a Saints team who have now lost all eight of their Gallagher Premiership home games in 2020.

Talented young fly-half Marcus Smith racked up a personal tally of 24 points, while the likes of Danny Care and Mike Brown rolled back the years to produce impressive showings.

Quins also saw 20-year-old lock Hugh Tizard come in for a strong Premiership debut.

And boss Gustard, whose side bounced back from a 33-3 opening-day defeat to Exeter Chiefs, said: “In any rugby team, you need a blend of experience, that have been there and done it, and there aren’t many people who have done it more than Danny Care or Mike Brown, who I thought were both exceptional.

“Scott Baldwin, who has 30-odd caps for Wales, again was exceptional and you need that.

“Hugh Tizard is 20 and making his first Premiership start and you need those kind of guys around him.

“I thought Danny Care, in particular, his game management was awesome, Scott’s set-piece was excellent and Mike Brown just did what Mike Brown does at full-back; counter attacks, claiming high balls and I was really happy with the spine of the team.

“We scored six tries and had one disallowed and the important thing is a lot of that isn’t coaching genius.

“That’s from giving the players the freedom to attack and allowing them to express themselves.”