Northampton v Harlequins predictions and rugby union tips: Quins for the win

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Northampton Saints v Harlequins in the Gallagher Premiership on Friday.

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 7.45pm Friday

Best bet

Harlequins to win by one to 12 points
1pt 7-4 Boyles

Match preview

Swashbuckling rugby has got Northampton back into the playoff race but Saints will be trying to fight fire with fire when free-scoring champions Harlequins pitch up at Franklin's Gardens on Friday.

Saints are averaging close to 30 points per game in this season's Premiership, with only Saracens having scored more, and they are unlikely to change their ways for the visit of a Quins team who won the title last year playing in a similar fashion.

Northampton have rattled off four straight wins to move into fourth but the quality of those victories is questionable.

They came from behind to beat bottom-of-the-table Bath last time out at the Rec despite missing a few key players and will be a better outfit with Courtney Lawes and Fraser Dingwall restored to the team, although they are still without fly-half Dan Biggar.

Quins put on a show in the reverse fixture, running in six tries, and they head into Friday’s meeting knowing a win should confirm their playoff place.

The champions have won six in a row in the Premiership, edging out leaders Leicester last weekend, and an unchanged backline from that win look sharp enough to cut Saints down to size.

Ten of Harlequins' last 11 away league games have been settled by ten points or fewer, though, so the visitors aren’t likely to run away with it. But their ability to strike late could be decisive in a back-and-forth contest.

In Friday's other Premiership game, Sale are 15-point favourites to keep alive their slim playoff hopes by beating a Newcastle side fresh from being hammered by London Irish.

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