JJ van der Mescht Scores Against Saracens’ Elliot Daly

Northampton Saints maintained their position at the summit of the Premiership with a 21-17 victory over Saracens at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 28, 2026. The win marks the sixth consecutive victory for the Saints, leaving them six points clear at the top of the league standings.

Northampton established an early 14-0 lead through tries from Tom Litchfield and Archie McParland. Litchfield scored the opening try after a move originating on the halfway line involving James Ramm and Josh Kemeny, before being released by Rory Hutchinson to score under the posts. Shortly after, fly-half Fin Smith broke the line to set up McParland for a second try, with Smith converting both scores.

Saracens Comeback

Saracens responded to the early deficit through a try by winger Tobias Elliott, who scored after working possession from left to right. The hosts continued their momentum as Theo Dan scored a try in the second half to level the scoreboard. A penalty from Fergus Burke subsequently put Saracens in the lead for the first time in the match.

The momentum shifted during the first half when Northampton’s Fin Smith was forced to leave the match around the 30-minute mark due to a head injury. This led to a reshuffle in the Saints’ formation as they defended a series of scrums near their own try line.

Late Dramatic Finish

With the clock ticking down, Northampton regained the lead in dramatic fashion. Tom Litchfield broke the line and provided an offload to Archie McParland, who scored his second try of the match under the posts to seal the win.

The match also highlighted the physical impact of Saints replacement JJ van der Mescht. Described as a fly-half trapped in a second-row’s body, the 6ft 7in, 23st lock provided significant physicality, including a tackle that flattened Saracens’ Elliot Daly. Despite his impact, van der Mescht was held up over the try line on two separate occasions.

Match Summary

• Final Score: Saracens 17-21 Northampton Saints
• Northampton Tries: Tom Litchfield, Archie McParland (2)
• Northampton Conversions: Fin Smith (2), Rory Hutchinson (1)
• Saracens Tries: Tobias Elliott, Theo Dan
• Saracens Conversions: Owen Farrell (2)
• Saracens Penalties: Fergus Burke (1)

The victory ensures Northampton Saints remain the team to beat in the Premiership as they extend their lead at the top of the table.