MANOA HAPPY WITH MOVE

The Big American, Samu Manoa, in a recent interview did praise the Northampton Saints club and agreed to the fact that he achieved one of the best moments in his life by joining the Northampton club. He did agree that it was quite a difficult decision to make at the beginning but it did prove to be fruitful and advantageous in the long run. The best part which was quite fascinating in the beginning was the part where everything was comfortable and people were there for each other. His previous life was a fast moving one filled with loads of adventures, but the life at Northampton was more slowly paced and hence was much more enjoyable by Samu who felt at home being here.

He does not deny the fact that he had ample opportunities to show his skill and talent on the field and Northampton has been a complete package which he has enjoyed to the fullest. Samu Manoa was also excited with the facilities that they have got down here. The entire community was more family oriented and this was what brought in the feeling of comfort.

The story of Samu Manoa and his association with Northampton was quite exciting and interesting to read and people wanted to know more about his experiences and decision to move to this club. He has admitted that his lifestyle suited much like that the people were living here and hence this is what made him blend him easily. Northampton Saints was also one of the first which allowed him to see the scenery and fly out and experience the outside world as well. The entire interview will be available in the next match to be scheduled at the MK Stadium.

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NORTHAMPTON SEAL VICTORY

Northampton sealed victory over Scarlets with an impressive defensive display which saw the Welsh side eliminated from the tournament and Northampton replace them in Second place in Pool 1. The home side and crowd were desperate for a try which would’ve seen Scarlets seal victory and stay in the tournament. But with a 90 metre run Rhodri Williams instead wrapped the game up for Northampton after Ben Foden claimed the ball from a loose pass.

In the reverse fixture, at Northampton’s Flanklin’s Gardens Scarlets were gifted four tries and a bonus point. This time though, Saints were far tighter in defence with coach Jim Mallinder praising their “tremendous defensive effort”. The poor defensive display in the home fixture acted as a motivation according to Malinder, saying they discussed the performance in the week leading up to the game and were determined to not allow for a repeat of that disappointing display.

Saints did however start the game by gifting the Scarlets further opportunities to make early inroads. Tom May was sin binned for a moment of stupidity, throwing the ball into Gareth Davies face. Referee, Alain Rolland happily took the opportunity to send May to the sin bin for 10 minutes. Rolland himself was on his first visit to Wales since his decision to send the Welsh captain Sam Warburton off in the World Cup Semi Final and received the expected reception from the passionate South Wales crowd. He was roundly booed and remains a majorly unpopular figure in Wales.

Rolland made several strange decisions throughout the first half and as a result Northampton trailed 14-6 at the break. A strong second half though, saw the Saints completely turn the game around. A try from Tonga’uiha and three kicks from Myler gave Saints a lead before the barrage began. Brave defence and the last minute try from Rhodri Williams secured the result and put Saints in position to challenge for second place in the pool and a spot in the Challenge Cup quarter finals.

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NORTHAMPTON UP TO THIRD

Northampton cruised to the third position in the Aviva Premiership after crushing Newcastle Falcons thirty two to fourteen at the Kingston Park. Northampton was in control of the match right from the start as they took early right in the start with Ben Foden scoring cleverly.

This victory makes the team jump from the sixth position to the third position in the Premiership while leaving Newcastle firmly stuck at the bottom of the table. They now have to win the match against Exeter at all costs in order to remain in the competition.

It was Ryan Lamb who kicked two beautiful conversions and two penalties in order to ensure the Northampton victory. Stepehen Myler who came in on as a substitute also converted for Northampton and hence it was a great day at work for Myler.

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Northampton Saints Heineken Cup – Road To the Final 2010-2011

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Heineken Cup 2010-11 : Semi Finals Highlights

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Martin Castrogiovanni slaps Dylan Hartley – Leicester v Northampton – Premiership Semi-finals – 2011

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