When I look at Northampton and Harlequins I see two teams at the same stage of their journey. Both were coming to the end of dreadful seasons a year ago, going on to finish ninth and 10th respectively, but both came into the weekend on the same number of points and vying with each other for the last play-off spot. The common denominator is the impact their new coaches have made.
If you were to look at the squads Chris Boyd and Paul Gustard inherited, you might wonder what they were doing at the bottom of the table this time last year but both teams were performing well below par. They have given their sides a new impetus, brought some consistency to their performances and some pride back into clubs with rich pedigree considering both won the Premiership not so long ago.
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