Pater and Freeman hat-tricks launch Northampton title defence with 59-26 win

Northampton Saints began their Premiership title defence with a 59-26 victory over Newcastle Red Bulls at Franklin's Gardens on Friday, September 25. James Pater and Tommy Freeman each scored three tries as the champions crossed nine times, according to BBC Sport's match report. Newcastle scored four tries of their own to secure a bonus point despite the heavy defeat.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_FwYuAPV6E

The result came three months after Northampton beat Exeter Chiefs to claim their second league title in three years. Newcastle arrived with a substantially rebuilt squad following the addition of 25 players during the summer. Their scoring contributions came from Christian Wade, who crossed twice, and Cam Jordan and Werner Kok, but they could not contain the home side's attack.

RugbyPass's match log records Pater scoring after three minutes, with Fin Smith converting. Wade's first try and Brett Connon's conversion levelled the match before Pater struck again in the 14th minute. George Hendy followed in the 22nd minute and Freeman added another try two minutes later, giving Northampton four tries before the opening half-hour had elapsed.

Wade scored again in the 37th minute, with Zack Henry adding the conversion, but Northampton answered before the interval. Alex Coles finished a move in the 39th minute and Smith converted to establish a 31-14 half-time lead. Newcastle also had Harrison Obatoyinbo sent to the sin-bin during the first half, while Pouri Rakete-Stones received a yellow card early in the second.

Freeman scored his second try in the 48th minute and completed his hat-trick in the 61st, either side of Jordan's try for Newcastle. Both Freeman scores were converted by Smith. Those exchanges left Northampton 45-21 ahead, with the hosts having added two converted tries after the break against Newcastle's one.

Northampton's replacements helped complete the scoring. Ollie Sleightholme crossed shortly after coming on, before Pater secured his third try. Anthony Belleau converted both. Kok's late finish brought Newcastle their fourth try and a bonus point, but the visitors ended the night 33 points behind the defending champions.