Sensational Saints deny Farrell Twickenham finale

The Saracens empire is at an end; the Saints go marching on. On a raucous night in Northampton where Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens rocked with an intensity and fervour seldom sighted in English club rugby, the hosts denied Owen Farrell a last tango at Twickenham with a performance that showcased their champion qualities.

- HARRY LATHAM-COYLE

Northampton 22

Saracens 20

All season long Northampton have led the way with brilliance and brawn but this represented a test of their bottle, serial winners in town with every reason to make these last weeks with Farrell and co count.

But there is something different about these steely Saints. So long the valiant entertainers in this competition, Phil Dowson’s side have added steak to their backline sizzle: bigger, beefier and brighter too. Thrice this season Saracens have tried and failed to beat them, falling two points short here as Northampton held firm at the last after two late tries had given the visitors hope.

It is a clean sweep that could represent an epochal change. Bath or Sale will represent stiff final opposition but such is the age profile of this Northampton team that you would suggest they will be back for more and more. With Fin Smith steering the ship, Tommy Freeman becoming the most complete back in the country and Tom Pearson reminding everyone of his considerable qualities, here is a core to rival that which Saracens are losing.