However, Northampton made a load of mistakes when they were pressured by a very good Leinster defence in the first-half of their recent European Cup semi-final – and Saints were pretty naive in the way they stuck to their guns by trying to attack off everything, with their errors exploited for James Lowe to score a hat-trick of tries.
This will probably change as Northampton play more of these big high-pressure games, because sometimes you have to find ways to win that are not about always running the ball. It’s also about mixing your kicking game, and keeping the opposition guessing. All-out attack might win you some big knock-out games, but to my reckoning it will not win you the majority of them.
Saracens are like Leinster in the sense that they have a solid defence and know how to counter-attack very effectively, as they proved recently by outplaying Bristol at Ashton Gate. They move as a 15 with everyone understanding their roles, and there is a snap in the way that they switch into the mode required, whether it’s in attack or defence.
When Saracens are at their best they have a collective attitude and determination, and a synchronisation which has made them very difficult to beat. But, don’t get me wrong, because I’ve loved watching a Northampton attack which has combined flair and precision this season to such an extent that, with some of the tries they’ve scored, you just stand up and applaud.
Northampton have also got over a psychological barrier by beating Saracens both away and home in the Premiership this season. Those two wins could be significant, but Saracens have the advantage of being more familiar with the atmosphere surrounding semi-finals and finals than Northampton.
"Emotions will run high as Saracens will not want it to end without Farrell lifting the trophy"
Denne historien er fra May 26, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra May 26, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
