Northampton's 28-12 win over Cardiff saves some face for English rugby after a reality check in the Champions Cup opening weekend – and Saints have another star in the England mix, writes ALEX BYWATER

After an avalanche of tries dominated the first three rounds of PREM Rugby, there has been much patting of backs within English rugby about the so-called rude health of the country’s top domestic league. 

But the opening weekend of the 2026-27 Champions Cup has provided something of a reality check to those who may have got too carried away at the high-octane action. 

Thankfully, current champions Northampton were on hand to save some face. After a draw and six losses against the best in Europe, this victory for Phil Dowson’s Saints was the only one for a PREM side across the cross-border competition’s opening salvo. 

It hasn’t been a total disaster. Even without success, Gloucester and Exeter impressed against the might of Bordeaux and Toulouse and there is still plenty of time for a European renaissance. 

But, perhaps, all is not as rosy in the PREM garden as many might have begun to think. Even against a weakened Cardiff side who had rested a host of their leading Welsh internationals, Northampton had it far from all their own way and failed to notch a try bonus point, even if it must be noted that they too had their star men absent. 

Such a scenario didn’t say much for Europe’s apparent lure. ‘The statistics will say only Saints won, but I don’t think the English teams are too far away,’ said Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson. 

‘The change in format makes it quite tricky. I can only speak from my position, but at this point in the season, everyone wants to compete in both the main competitions. If you want to do that, you have to use your squad. At what point do you rotate?’

Northampton’s England regulars Henry Pollock, Tommy Freeman and Alex Coles were all given the weekend off, while No 10 Fin Smith was wrapped up against the elements on the home bench. Facing just a five-day turnaround for their next United Rugby Championship game at home to the Sharks on Friday night, Cardiff left out Wales back-row forwards Alex Mann and James Botham, club captain Liam Belcher and their form forward Taine Basham.

Dowson described Cardiff’s five-day turnaround as ‘bonkers’ and added: ‘How that’s been signed off is nuts.’ 

Wales great Taulupe Faletau was on hand to make his first appearance for Cardiff since March, but neither team was at 100 per cent. It was a real shame as if both had been at full throttle, this could have been a great advertisement for those who believe in the prospect of a future Anglo-Welsh league. 

Both sides paid tribute to former Sale lock Hyron Andrews pre-match after his tragic passing last Friday. Heavy rain arrived simultaneously. The conditions made for a poor first half. Saints scored twice through James Pater and Toby Thame, but there were errors galore. 

George Hendy and Alex Mitchell made fine contributions to the effort of Pater, the young full-back who has had a strong start to his first full senior season. Cardiff were unfortunate to have a try for Tom Manz ruled out. 

Northampton struggled to get their trademark, free-flowing attacking game going. The wet weather didn’t help. And when Cardiff centre Harri Millard went over at the start of the second half and Jarrod Evans converted, all of a sudden Saints were in a contest. 

With his first touch, their replacement scrum-half Archie McParland knocked on. Anthony Belleau then saw yellow, leaving Saints down to 14 and Cardiff pounced immediately, Evans sending Mason Grady over. 

Northampton are the only English side to have one in the Champions Cup so far this season

Evans couldn’t tie the scores with the kick. It roused the home crowd from their stupor and their team responded, the impressive Hendy juggling the ball on his way to the line after receiving replacement Fraser Dingwall’s pass. 

A Cardiff breakaway saw Hendy race back brilliantly to stop Josh Adams from what looked a certain score. Hendy is yet to win a senior England cap but must surely be in the mix to make their autumn squad.

Dingwall brought the scoring to a close, but Northampton ended up just short of maximum points under Europe’s new rule that means a try bonus is only gained if you score three times more than your opposition. Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl confirmed his team asked European rugby bosses if they could have moved this game to avoid a five-day turnaround.

The request was denied. ‘I definitely feel like I had to make changes,’ said the South African, who bemoaned his team’s line-out inaccuracies and failure to take their chances. ‘The boys that came in really stepped up.’