If there were any lingering doubts about Northampton’s ability to ­sustain a title push they can be ­unequivocally put to bed after a mighty victory over Saracens. Five tries, an intensity that went missing last week and a masterclass at fly-half from Fin Smith tightened their hold on top spot of the Premiership, and gave their sellout crowd reason to believe this will be their year.

They were thumped last week as the league resumed after an eight-week break and their 10-match ­winning run was unceremoniously broken by Bristol, who ran in 52 points. Could Northampton respond? They did so emphatically against last season’s champions who were not at their imperious best – none more out of sorts than Owen Farrell, who was eclipsed by the supreme Smith.

To their credit, Saracens persevered until the very end, finishing with four tries when Alex Lewington scored twice at the last minute to secure what may prove to be a crucial bonus point in the playoff race. But the fact that Northampton emerged victorious in a fiercely contested match will only give them more self-assurance.

Tommy Freeman scored the pick of Northampton’s tries as they ­produced an attacking edge that could breach even the toughest defences. If they continue in this vein they will take some stopping between now and June. It helps, too, when they show this type of resilience and all the more so to have 21-year-old Smith in this kind of form, kicking 16 points and showcasing an all-round game to put Farrell in the shade. If the Saracens fly-half represents England’s past as he prepares for life across the Channel next season then Smith is the future.

“That speaks volumes about the character of the group,” said ­Northampton’s director of rugby, Phil Dowson. “We were all disappointed last week and the response was clear to see.”