Tommy Freeman scored two of Northampton’s three tries in 28-19 win away to Glasgow: Elsewhere, Connacht made a depressing begin to their Champions Cup marketing campaign as they have been crushed 41-5 by the Bordeaux Beagles in Galway.
Final up to date: 12/08/23 at 10:47 PM
Tommy Freeman blocks Stafford McDowell on his technique to one among Northampton’s tries of their win over Glasgow
Tommy Freeman scored two tries as Northampton opened their Champions Cup marketing campaign with a 28-19 three-try win away to Glasgow.
The Scots have solely been crushed as soon as at house within the final two years, however completed clearly second right here as their Premier League guests recovered from an early deficit to say a deserved win.
Glasgow additionally completed with three tries of their very own, placing the Saints on prime in making the distinction between the 2 groups.
There was a late change among the many house substitutes as Nathan McBeath changed new father Ollie Keppel, whereas Matt Fagerson made his one centesimal look for the membership within the again row.
England midfielder Alex Mitchell returns to Northampton’s squad alongside winger George Hendy, whereas Finn Smith – eligible to play for Scotland or England – begins at fly-half for the guests.
The hosts took the lead after 5 minutes. It was a second to overlook for Mitchell, who obtained an help for the Indian from Sebastien Cancellier. The Argentine winger ran from inside his personal half earlier than dribbling for the strive. Tom Jordan failed so as to add extras.
Nevertheless, Northampton rapidly recovered, and by half-time had gained a powerful benefit after operating in three tries of their very own and including a Smith penalty.
The primary strive was scored by Courtney Legal guidelines, the England veteran who took a go from Smith and shrugged off Shaun Kennedy’s scoring try.
The guests continued to press and it wasn’t lengthy earlier than they crossed the road once more. This time it was Freeman who was the scorer, concluding a interval of stress from Northampton to attain after accepting a go from Smith.
The Warriors have been then quickly decreased to 14 males when Scott Cummings was adjudged to not have jumped straight on the objective line earlier than touchdown on Alex Waller, who got here off for a head damage evaluation and by no means returned.
Northampton made essentially the most of their man benefit, with George Furbank teeing up Freeman who raced across the put up for his second rating of the sport.
Glasgow substituted scrum-halves within the first half – Ben Afshar for Kennedy – after which modified three from the pack quickly after to attempt to regain a foothold within the contest.
Nevertheless, that failed to show issues round, as Smith kicked two extra penalty targets to increase Saints’ lead and take the sport away from their hosts.
The Warriors lastly gave their followers one thing to cheer about when Ollie Smith ran from his personal penalty to attain earlier than the house aspect have been awarded a penalty. However the Saints held on to report a significant win.
Connacht gained at house to Bordeaux Beagles
Connacht made a depressing begin to their Champions Cup marketing campaign as they have been crushed 41-5 by the Bordeaux Beagles in Galway.
The French membership recorded a bonus-point victory, with French World Cup star Damien Benaud enjoying a key function as Connacht suffered their heaviest house defeat in European top-flight competitors.
Benaud completed off a clean transfer for his aspect’s second try, whereas full-back Romain Boros and Benaud winger Pablo Uberti touched down twice.
Bordeaux have been additionally awarded a penalty, with Maxime Loko kicking a penalty and two conversions and Paul Abadie including a late conversion.
Connacht have been by no means within the chase, regardless of an early strive from winger Shamus Hurley-Langton.
Their trigger was not helped by the lack of Irish full-back Mack Hansen after struggling an damage within the first half, they usually face a troublesome process to regroup in subsequent Saturday’s match away from house in opposition to three-time European champion Saracens.
