Saracens continued to underline their status as one of the leading contenders in this season’s Heineken Champions Cup as they produced an incredible comeback to beat Northampton Saints 45-39 in the Gallagher Premiership on Sunday.

Saracens, who are aiming to lift EPCR’s elite title for a fourth time on their return to the competition this season, trailed 39-17 with an hour played at their StoneX Stadium.

Sean Maitland had dotted down twice for the hosts in the first half, but fellow Heineken Champions Cup outfit Northampton were in terrific form, with Mike Haywood crossing early on before a hat-trick of tries from Fraser Dingwall.

Courtnall Skosan extended the visitors’ advantage with a fifth try on 51 minutes and with Fin Smith adding 14 points from the tee, Saracens’ 100%-win record in the Premiership this season was under serious threat.

However, Northampton’s Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Tom James were then sin-binned, and Saracens capitalised as Gareth Simpson, Josh Hallett, Ben Earl and Elliot Daly went over in the final 20 minutes.

Alex Goode slotted an early penalty and went on to convert five of the home side’s tries to end with a match tally of 13 points.

Sunday’s game was Saracens’ last in the Premiership before they kick off their Heineken Champions Cup campaign against Edinburgh Rugby on December 11, meaning they will come into the Pool A opener at StoneX Stadium with nine wins from nine league games under their belt.