Mallinder 'pleased' with Northampton as rugby's Premiership reaches halfway

Northampton Saints Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder says he's pleased with the progress they've made, with the Aviva Premiership campaign now halfway through.

The defending champions are a point clear of Bath at the top after beating Harlequins in front of a sell-out 82,000 crowd at Twickenham yesterday (December 27).

Tries from Samu Manoa, George North and Kahn Fotuali'i helped the Saints edge out their London rivals 30-25, although 'Quins earned a losing bonus point.

Fly half Stephen Myler also kicked fifteen points, converting all three tries in the process.

Despite crossing the Harlequins line three times the Saints victory owed much to their defence, particularly in the second half. At one stage Northampton led by 12 points but succumbed to Harlequins pressure.

England prop Alex Corbisiero made his first Saints appearance since September after recovering from shoulder surgery.

But Samoa scrum-half Kahn Fotuali'i left the Twickenham field with a damaged shoulder shortly after scoring the Saints third and decisive try.