■From NICK CAIN at Franklin’s Gardens

Rout: Ed Byrne dives over for the final Leinster try
PICTURE: Getty Images

NORTHAMPTON may be sitting at the top of the Premiership, but they were on the receiving end of a seven-try thrashing as well as a tutorial in the realities of what it takes to be part of the European Cup elite.
After turning around 19-16 behind at the interval Northampton were routed, and, despite the absence of a couple of luminaries like Courtney Lawes and new import Owen Franks, overall they were desperately disappointing.
The Saints were overpowered by Leins...