Northampton Rugby Video Rating: 5 / five
NORTHAMPTON STRIKE BACK
At 18-8 down in the first half, away from home and being outclassed by London Irish it seemed unlikely Northampton would be celebrating at full time. But after a change of style and a spectacular comeback that is just what happened.
The Saints were failing to exert superiority in the pack and were being run ragged by Irish’s backs. The flawless performance from the Exiles meant that late in the second half, at 18-8 down things were looking bleak for the Saints. A mistake from the Irish scrum half, Ross Samson though allowed them to see a glimmer of hope. A mistimed kick when Samson thought time was up allowed Northampton to gain possession and eventually gain a kickable penalty which Stephen Myler slotted home to keep any slight chances of a turnaround alive.
Saints came out for the second half with a degree of belief and began to keep hold of the ball. Possession proved to be important and the turnaround began. At seven points down the next score was important and a missed dropped goal from Irish allowed Saints to close the gap further and along with a clever flat pass from Myler to set up a third try of the day for Saints and give them a 23-18 lead.
Irish drew level through a try in the corner and when the conversion was missed the 23-23 scoreline ensured a tense finish. Saints secured a well earned victory with a charge down on a kick in the Irish 22 allowing Ben Nutley to latch onto the loose ball and secure victory with his first try for Northampton.
Whatever was said at half time clearly made an impact and Stephen Myler confirmed as much after the game. He accepted that things had not gone as they had expected in the first half and a change of approach in the second allowed Saints to run out with victory and a try scoring bonus point.
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.
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.
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.
Northampton Saints Heineken Cup – Road To the Final 2010-2011
Northampton Rugby Video clip Rating: four / 5