Burnell frustrated after Titans defeat

Titans fielded 32 players during the eight-try, 52-5 beating at Franklin's Gardens in their second warm-up game as the countdown to the new season continues.

Burnell wanted his side to get a defensive test - and he got one in spades as the Saints fielded several internationals including Luther Burrell, Ben Foden and big money debutant Louis Picamoles.

Titans started well and even got the first points on the board when back row Laurence Cowen drove over following a good spell of pressure.

But that was as good as it got. Saints went on to lead 12-5 at half-time and then banged in 40 unanswered second half points.

Said Burnell: "I know they have a strong team and are one of the top sides in the Premiership, but from our point of view it was frustrating.

"We made a lot of errors and we will work on sorting them out. But there were good points, I thought we started well and pushed them back in the first half hour."

There's a full analysis in this Friday's Advertiser, plus a picture special from Franklin's Gardens.