BBC Sport: Talking Points from the Premiership (Prem)
Points pile-ups, old-school Saracens and a royal pint
By Mike Henson, BBC Sport rugby union news reporter
Published 37 minutes ago
It's worth stepping back to appreciate the scale of scoring in the Prem currently. Ten seasons ago, Northampton hosted Bath in round three, with a score of 24-6—a relatively modest total compared to recent trends. Fast forward to this weekend, and it was like a different sport as teams scored 18 tries between them en route to an astonishing 71-48 scoreline.
This remarkable aggregate of 119 points is the second highest in English top-flight rugby history, beaten only by Northampton's 94-33 win over Bristol in May. Five of the 10 top-flight games with over 100 points have come since the start of the 2023-24 season, marking a significant increase from previous years.
The recent trend of high-scoring games in the Prem:
- Average tries per game (2023-24): 10
- Average tries per game (2017-28): 4.33
- Highest scoring start to an English top-flight campaign: Since Opta began tracking this statistic in 2007-08
Northampton head coach Sam Vesty attributes the surge in scoring to several factors, including changes in officiating, lower tackle heights, increased ball retention due to fatigue, and a more attacking mindset among teams.
Eddie Jones, former England head coach, has often expressed skepticism about how well the Prem prepares players for the physical demands of international rugby. This autumn, as players transition from club to international action, they may need some time to adjust to the grind of Test matches, where scoring is typically harder earned.
Saracens' Renaissance:
Saracens are off to a strong start this season, not just with their throwback kits and spiky presence but also in their defensive approach. Defence coach Adam Powell set out to change the way the game is played, challenging the dominance of attack and making defence a hallmark of the team—a return to their successful "Wolfpack" era from a decade ago.
They've started well on this front, demonstrating that Saracens are back as a force in the Prem.