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Impressive win: Northampton
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Teams
- Northampton
- Saracens
Also see
- Falcons beat Leeds for Bedford final
- Redman axed by Worcester
Northampton Saints will face Leicester in the Aviva Premiership final after recording a shock 27-13 victory over Saracens at Allianz Park on Sunday.
Sarries were undefeated at Allianz Park going into the game but found themselves 17-0 down at the break through Brian Mujati and Jamie Elliott tries, as well as seven points from Stephen Myler's boot.
A Duncan Taylor try and two Owen Farrell penalties gave Mark McCall's men hope, but Gerrit-Jan van Velze's touchdown and Myler's second three-pointer sealed the win.
The hosts went into this encounter as huge favourites having finished the regular season at the top of the league and also having reached the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup.
However, the home side were shocked by the visitors in the opening half as they played with a verve and an intensity they have rarely produced against the top teams this year.
Although Myler was off-target with his first two penalty attempts, Northampton were eventually rewarded for their dominance when Mujati finished off a typically powerful driving maul.
It got worse for the London-based outfit when Elliott touched down after scampering down the left-hand side, taking advantage of good work from Lee Dickson and Christian Day. Myler converted for the second time before adding a three-pointer late in the half to give Saints a surprise 17-0 lead at the interval.
Despite the travails of the opening period - possibly their worse display of the campaign - Sarries came out with intent after the break. Mako Vunipola was particularly prominent and David Strettle had a chance to reduce the arrears, although the wing wasted the opportunity as he was held up.
Farrell did reward his pack's efforts with successive penalties but their work was undone when the excellent Dickson sent van Velze over.
There was a glimmer of hope when Elliott was sin-binned for taking Farrell out in the air and they took advantage of the extra man when Taylor crossed the whitewash.
However, Myler eased the nerves with a late three-pointer to take Northampton into the final where they will face arch-rivals Leicester Tigers.
The scorers:
For Saracens:
Try: Taylor
Con: Farrell
Pen: Farrell 2
For Northampton:
Tries: Mujati, Elliott, Van Velze
Con: Myler 3
Pen: Myler 2
Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Joel Tomkins, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 David Strettle, 10 Charlie Hodgson, 9 Neil de Kock, 8 Jackson Wray, 7 Will Fraser, 6 Kelly Brown, 5 Alistair Hargreaves, 4 Steve Borthwick (c), 3 Matt Stevens, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Mako Vunipola.
Replacements: 16 John Smit, 17 Rhys Gill, 18 Carlos Nieto, 19 Mouritz Botha, 20 George Kruis, 21 Richard Wigglesworth, 22 Duncan Taylor, 23 Chris Wyles.
Northampton: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Ken Pisi, 13 James Wilson, 12 Luther Burrell, 11 Jamie Elliott, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Samu Manoa, 7 Tom Wood, 6 Calum Clark, 5 Christian Day, 4 Courtney Lawes, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Dylan Hartley (capt), 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Mike Haywood, 17 Alex Waller, 18 Tom Mercey, 19 Phil Dowson, 20 GJ Van Velze, 21 Martin Roberts, 22 Ryan Lamb, 23 Tom May.
Referee: JP Doyle
Assistant referees: Paul Dix, Peter Huckle
TMO: John Burtenshaw
Comments
cuw3100 says...
@ lawynd says...
@cuw3100 - it's not an obsession with a 'kicking' centre necessarily, but a creative one; Ma'a Nonu is exactly that. He might be a big thumping unit but he finds gaps rather than players and can pass and offload very well. At the moment, the tandem of Bradley Barritt and Manu Tuilagi doesn't possess that in enough quantity for our midfield to open up defences, hence why other players are being touted as potential at inside centre.
it may not be an obsession , but it looks like the thought process.
take the 5 NZ S15 teams and their most used center pairings (becoz injuries and resting and tactics keep on chaning the pair sometimes)
Blues : 13 Rene Ranger 12 Francis Saili
Chiefs : 13 Richard Kahui 12 Bundee Aki
Crusaders : 13 Robbie Fruean 12 Ryan Crotty
Highlanders : 13 Tamati Ellison 12 Maa Nonu
Hurricanes : 13 Conrad Smith 12 Tim Bateman
None of these guys are considered as kickers (like Luke Mac for example).
Of course they can kick if it is absolutely necessary but in the backs, the kicking is left to the fly half and full back.
Of the above 10 centers 5 are all blacks. (SBW is the missing man).
Again it reflects the thought process of MIB.
However the OZ have used guys like JOC, Beale, AAC, Horne and QC also in the recent past at center. (these guys usually play at 10 or 15 if given a choice).
Again IMHO , this is a thought process.
Posted 05:50 15th May 2013
lawynd says...
@cuw3100 - it's not an obsession with a 'kicking' centre necessarily, but a creative one; Ma'a Nonu is exactly that. He might be a big thumping unit but he finds gaps rather than players and can pass and offload very well. At the moment, the tandem of Bradley Barritt and Manu Tuilagi doesn't possess that in enough quantity for our midfield to open up defences, hence why other players are being touted as potential at inside centre.
Posted 09:20 14th May 2013
APV1 says...
@ cuw3100 - I think we basically agree on at least something - OF is not Lions / international standard as either a 10 or 12. He needs to develop as one or the other and become better at it.
JW has played 10, 12 and 13. In fact, in the first game I saw him play in at Twickenham, he was 19 years old and playing at 13. I have a vague memory that he might have played on the wing too, but I'm not sure.
We need another "play-maker" at 12, which is why I think 36 should be there. Bath are trying to develop Eastmond into a similar role, so there's another option. BB will never be that player. as his skills are elsewhere. He doesn't have the kick or the vision of 36, but he sure can run a defensive line. He's a useful option, depending on who else is playing and who you're up against.
Botica, I think, holds a British passport, having lived in England as child. I don't think he's been capped by either England or NZ, so still has a choice to make.
Posted 17:04 13th May 2013
cuw3100 says...
@APV1 says..."12 is a different issue. We have the players - 36, Barritt, Eastmond, etc - but we don't have the complimentary 10."
Actually what i meant was, Farrell started the match at 12 and went to 10. IMHO it seems an English obsession with this kicking center.
MIB used to have Aaron MAuger and then Luke M at 12 as the 2nd kicker, but with the advent of big bashers like Tana, Maa and SBW (even KAhui) NZ leave the kicking to fly half.
the skill set of a fly half is different from the center. and Farrell being tried at both at such a young age may be harming his thought process.
The present day genius DC does play 12 but only when it is an absolute necessity. am not aware if JW played 12 full time in a match.
the best of them have always been at 10. But i must say Farrells passing when there is an overlap is appalling. his seems to get exited too much when there is a try scoring opportunity.
IMHO both Pat Lambie and Gareth A'combe are much better , and of comparative age to Farrell. B Barret is a little older but already a MIB poolist.
The issue i have is there are one of two things that can happen to Farrell.
one, u get hammered and come up stronger from the lesson
two its so much trauma u loose whatever talent u have and become average.
Quade Cooper must be licking his lips. And in SH the wingers and full back like to come into midfield and "look for work". FArrell will be under a lot of pressure.
Ben Botika is from NZ?
while England may not be having enuf 10s why shud Lions take rookie.???
I have nothing against Farrell but IMHO he is not international class, and at times am sure he will not a get a bench seat in S15.
Ciprini for all his shortcomings did give a good account of himself. too bad he could not repeat it in England :)
Posted 15:48 13th May 2013
lucasrg says...
Well done Saints, great game. Fantastic defence in the first half made it all possible.
All the English left-out players really delivered, Hartley, Foden, C. Lawes and Elliot were all over the bar.
Saracenes show again no depth. a bit alarming was Farrell, wondering if he is really worth to be England n10.
Posted 13:48 13th May 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
cuw3100,
I agree. The one unshakable fact is that Farrel is not test match class at present. You mentioned that he's just not being managed well and I couldn't agree more. To be fair saracens do a better job than England and Lions, they value charlie hodgson's influence at ten.
Charlie Hodgson getting injured was just another total disarster for Sarries on Sunday. You look at sunday and you have to say that everything that could go wrong for Sarries went wrong. was it karma? I wonder if northampton sang any songs in the changing room after the match... ?
Posted 13:39 13th May 2013
APV1 says...
@ cuw3100 - far be it for me to suggest a conspiricy, but there are those who belive that Andy Farrell has too much influence in his son's selection.
I'd like to think that AF would be objective and that SL et al would only pick on form, but it does seem a little odd.
With regards to our 10s, I think we are struggling at the moment. We have those who have experience, but really aren't world-beaters:
Flood, Myler, Hodgson, etc.
Then we have those with potential, but are a little naive and still learning:
Farrell, Burns, Ford, (Botica?) etc.
12 is a different issue. We have the players - 36, Barritt, Eastmond, etc - but we don't have the complimentary 10.
Posted 12:14 13th May 2013
cuw3100 says...
@ rugby_rockstar says...
"Owen farell, the guy is 21 and overhyped out of all proportions. he made so many mistakes on sunday. Bad kicks, ill judged late tackles, lost his cool more that once. He getting crucified by a press that refuse to give him a chance to gain experience and mature into a quality flyhalf. It's getting pretty bad. You think British tennis players have it bad at wimbledon, this suffocating scrutiny is just as bad. Gatland has done the kid no favours. I think its time the press and pundits just backed up and gave the kid a bit of wriggle room.
I was wondering if Wilko would have been as good when he was 20 if he hadn't been behind that england pack. Thing is he was also playing at Falcons who didn't have a big pack but he still won matches. The biggest deal is that we didn't expect him to guide Falcons to win every game like we do with Farrel. Wilko was allowed to get on with it in newcastle."
Agree with u on the media but still wonder if he is REALLY GOOD?!?!
Look in the SH and those guys who play the U20 World Cup fit into the S15 like ducks to water. G Anscombe , B Barrett, A Cruden Q Cooper all showed class in the age group. If we look at all then Luke W, J Savea, P Lambie et al were ear marked for tests even before they got off the plane.
Maybe Farrell is a late bloomer, (like say Rich Kahui who became a test player after his 26th b'day). Just wonder why the England and also Lions setup keep on going after Farrell, when he seems to be flawed under pressure.
Its not as if there are no other guys at 10 available, (or at 12 for that matter).
Also it is always possible to go back and come in as an improved player. Maa Nonu is the best example.
Poor man management can confuse a player. Not everyone is a Dan Carter, who can play 10/12 equally well.
Posted 11:05 13th May 2013
jamesliveinhope says...
That Sarries performance just shows how underrated Brad Barrit is as a player.
Posted 10:45 13th May 2013
APV1 says...
Saints won the match at the breakdown, if you ask me, especially in the first half. They were ferocious and attacked the rucks and mauls with speed and purpose. There were Fez Heads being cleared out all over the place and that gave Saints the "go forward".
Success often begets success and their breakdown work was a good example. Otherwise I think they were reasonably evenly matched, with most things going as expected.
Cracking match, though. I loved watching Lawes and Manoa smashing anyone they could get hold of.
If they play like that, I think it's going to be an even better final. Imagine the likes of Croft and Lawes, Tait and Foden, Manoa and Crane all going toe-to-toe. Different styles of play but equally successful.
Smashing stuff!
(pun intended)
Posted 10:44 13th May 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
I feel saracens were just a bit too calm and collected. there was no fear factor while on the other side Saints had been mullered in the press and KNEW they had to play at 100% to dodge a hiding. It's was all down to passion. Bit like Eng v NZ last year. Saints were fired up and Sarries were just too unemotional. half hour later its 0 - 17 if you are going to beat saracens thats about as perfect as it gets. Saracens have tried to play more rugby this year but its still a new mind set. One last thing to say about sarries is that they were missing some names that are usually carved in stone on the team sheet. it all went a bit pete tong on really.
Saints were fired up. They'll need to do it again in the final and the risk to leicester is exactly the same. they will be favourites but they have to prepare for a cackstorm of epic proportions in the first half. Which is great news for us fans!!! We got a couple of bullet trains on a collision course at twickenham.
Owen farell, the guy is 21 and overhyped out of all proportions. he made so many mistakes on sunday. Bad kicks, ill judged late tackles, lost his cool more that once. He getting crucified by a press that refuse to give him a chance to gain experience and mature into a quality flyhalf. It's getting pretty bad. You think British tennis players have it bad at wimbledon, this suffocating scrutiny is just as bad. Gatland has done the kid no favours. I think its time the press and pundits just backed up and gave the kid a bit of wriggle room.
I was wondering if Wilko would have been as good when he was 20 if he hadn't been behind that england pack. Thing is he was also playing at Falcons who didn't have a big pack but he still won matches. The biggest deal is that we didn't expect him to guide Falcons to win every game like we do with Farrel. Wilko was allowed to get on with it in newcastle.
Posted 10:09 13th May 2013
stugur says...
IMHO, the only players in that game worth a lions tour were D Hartley, K Brown.
Posted 07:27 13th May 2013
TVaddict says...
@ NHsaints
You're missing the point. The England game is the day after the final, hence no Northampton or Leicester payers in that first match now.
Posted 07:04 13th May 2013
cuw3100 says...
After watching that, WG must be sweating in his sleep.
Farell cannot play a big game!!!
In an international test match the #10 makes so many mistakes.....
If anyone still had doubts, watch the last 15 minutes and after the try was scored.
When a cool head was needed to attack and look for another one, Farrell was hasty and was warned by the ref too.
One would never see JW, DC or even QC do something so.. DUH !!!
Found it interesting that the ref called in assistance from TMO and after watching the replays took it upon himself to deal with things , even without waiting to hear what TMO had to say.
Granted he did the correct thing, but courtecy would have dictated that TMO is heard ; I mean if the ref is going to act on replays then there is no need for expert , just a tv technician to replay any incident :)
Posted 04:34 13th May 2013
LondonWasp says...
very interesting and very happy to see sarries loose because they didn't score enough tries!!!!
Hopefully this will stop England playing/being coached like Sarries
Posted 23:40 12th May 2013
ArmchairGeneral says...
I'm pretty chuffed on predicting that upset in the preview. What a cracking final due. Last chance saloon for the front row. Hard to see them beating Tigers but I'm going for it as not at home and Saints will now have belief. Always thought their mid season lull was good news given their excellent start and mid seasons in former years produced end of season lull for saints. Ashton must be gutted.
As for Lions; I think Gatland selected too soon. Lancaster too.
Posted 23:31 12th May 2013
Nastyned says...
You're quite correct Papachinzo, Leicester with their cynical slowing down of rucks, obstruction and blocking together with their coaches perpetual abuse of referees is exactly how the game should be played.
Posted 21:56 12th May 2013
gingergenius says...
2nd semi-final in a row that Strettle has proven his inability to finish. It's been an issue of his all his career and is why he's not a test-level player.
Posted 21:25 12th May 2013
NHsaints says...
@redcoat2806 Wood is the starting 6 as Johnson isn't in the squad, not to mention that he's captain...secondly I'd have dickson over wigglesworth any day of the week, the game today showed that he's the best scrumhalf in the premiership when momentum is on his side and the best in britain at controlling the tempo of the game and he doesn't have Care's shakiness when kicking...he got caught less than half as many times as Wigglesworth around the rucks today...that speaks volumes in itself. I'd also have Foden over Goode and Brown on bench duty considering how much of a better finisher Foden is than Goode or Brown even though he's not on his best form at the moment.
Posted 21:17 12th May 2013
5Lock4ward says...
I'm sure this is my bias showing through but I find that Saracens perform better when Wyles is in the first XV as opposed to leaving him on the bench.
Posted 21:09 12th May 2013