Match Centre: Gallagher Premiership: Northampton Saints 17-25 Gloucester

Northampton Saints 17-25 Gloucester, cinch Stadium @ Franklin's Gardens

Gloucester Rugby delivered an impressive 17-25 victory over reigning Premiership champions Northampton Saints, holding off a fierce second-half challenge at Franklin's Gardens.

The Cherry & Whites started strong, with Santi Carreras crossing the line early to capitalize on Gloucester’s initial pressure.

However, Northampton quickly struck back, with George Furbank kicking through the defense and scoring under the posts. Rory Hutchinson added the conversion, putting the Saints ahead for the first time.

Gloucester continued to press and showcased their attacking flair. Freddie Thomas intercepted a loose pass at midfield, linking up with Zach Mercer, who powered over for a try under the posts. Carreras converted to restore Gloucester’s lead.

The visitors' third try epitomized their free-flowing rugby. Christian Wade made a break down the short side and connected with Carreras, who scored his second of the match.

Though Carreras narrowly missed a hat-trick due to a knock-on, he added a penalty just before halftime to give Gloucester a 7-19 lead.

Northampton emerged determined after the break, with Juarno Augustus scoring off sustained pressure on the Gloucester line.

Hutchinson’s conversion narrowed the gap, and the Saints continued their assault. Despite three disallowed tries—two for handling errors and one for a forward pass—the hosts remained in contention.

Hutchinson slotted a penalty to bring Northampton closer with just ten minutes to go. However, Carreras stepped up again, adding three crucial points to secure a two-score advantage for Gloucester.

The Saints had a final opportunity to salvage a losing bonus point, but Hutchinson’s last-minute penalty went wide. Gloucester held on for a well-earned victory, marking a statement win on the road against last season’s league champions.

Team line up:

Northampton: Furbank (c); Hendy, Litchfield, Hutchinson, Sleightholme; Smith, James; West, C. Langdon, Davison, Munga, Coles, Scott-Young, Pearson, Augustus.

Reserves: Wright, Iyogun, Green, Lockett, Pollock, Mitchell, Dingwall, Ramm.

Gloucester: Carreras; Wade, Llewellyn, Atkinson, Thorley; Anscombe, Englefield; Rapava-Ruskin, Singleton, Fasogbon, Clark, Thomas, Clement, Ludlow (c), Mercer.

Reserves: Blake, Knight, Gotovtsev, Alemanno, Ackermann, Chapman, Harris, Hathaway.