Northampton's calculated destruction of an ill-disciplined Gloucester in the east midlands on Saturday merely served to illustrate the massive impact Wayne Smith has made since taking over as head coach at the club.
They were dark days when Smith assumed control from John Steele in December. Northampton were in freefall, hovering in unfamiliar territory around the basement and playing with a clear lack of self-confidence. A few months on, however, and the picture is much brighter.
Northampton's eight-try tonking of Gloucester was comfortably their biggest victory of the season; it propelled them into fifth place in the Zurich Premiership and this Saturday they have the small matter of the Powergen Cup final to contemplate. It is some turn-around for Northampton, and one their players are quick to attribute to Smith.
Their Australian centre Peter Jorgensen, one of eight different try-scorers against Gloucester, said: "My game's gone through the roof since he's come here. We needed some direction and Wayne has provided that. He's made a massive difference."
Jorgensen's sentiments were echoed by Paul Grayson, who has been a rejuvenated figure since Smith's appointment. "You know what is expected of you with Wayne. He is totally focused."
It is not rocket science from Smith. Northampton are now a much fitter unit, a few of the bigger egos at the club have taken a knock since his arrival and he makes sure the basics are done well.
The Cherry and Whites were outclassed and outmanoeuvred all over the pitch. Northampton's strong pack gave their backs the platform and, with Matt Dawson, Nick Beal and Ben Cohen on top of their games, Gloucester were like lambs to the slaughter. That the visitors scored two tries of their own did expose some defensive frailties for the Saints and Smith, but his opposite number Nigel Melville has far more causes for concern.
Gloucester have shipped more than 100 points in their last two Premiership matches and on Saturday a lack of self- control was evident from the players. The hooker Olivier Azam and the prop Patrice Collazo both spent time in the sin-bin and Melville admitted: "Our discipline and defence were bad. You just can't play without 15 men on the pitch."
Northampton: Beal; Brooks (Moir, 53), Jorgensen, Leslie (Tucker, 61), Cohen; Grayson, Dawson (Malone, 65); Smith, Thompson (Richmond, 53), Morris (Stewart, 48), Phillips, Brouzet (Brenton, 76), Rennick, Pountney (capt), Blowers.
Tries: Smith, Thompson, Rennick, Cohen, Jorgensen, Pountney, Beal, Phillips. Cons: Grayson 6. Pens: Grayson 2.
Gloucester: Catling (Paul, 53); O'Leary, Simpson-Daniel, Fanolua, Beim; Mercier, Gomarsall (Yachvili, 53); Collazo (Woodman, 66), Azam, Pucciariello (Deacon, 68), Fidler, Cornwell, Forrester, Boer (capt, Sewau, h-t), Paramore.
Tries: Sewabu, Paramore. Con: Mercier. Pens: Mercier 2. Drop-goal: Mercier.
Sin-bin: Azam, 21; Collazo, 49.
Referee: Dave Pearson (RFU).
Attendance: 9,138.
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