Northampton Saints player ratings from a breathless 45-31 derby win over Leicester Tigers that sees them qualify for the Gallagher PREM final at Allianz Stadium next week.
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A pulsating and end-to-end first half saw the hosts take the lead, get pegged back, then take the lead again after having the bulk of the play, but they were never really being able to get away from a resilient Tigers team.
The game didn’t slow down in the second, as again Saints kept going close, dominating the play but not quite having the cutting edge to completely put Leicester out of sight.
A couple of disallowed tries didn’t help things for the hosts, but they just about managed to get over the line and book themselves a place at Allianz Stadium next week with a 14-point victory over their Midlands neighbours.
Northampton Saints: 45
- Tries: Tom Litchfield (2′,17′,40′), Tommy Freeman (20′), George Furbank (44′,75′), Archie McParland (67′)
- Cons: Fin Smith (2′,17′,21′,45′,67′)
- Pens:
- Yellow card: Craig Wright (77′)
Leicester Tigers: 31
- Tries: Hanro Liebenberg (7′), Freddie Steward (13′), Ollie Hassell-Collins (36′,71′), Orlando Bailey (48′)
- Cons: Billy Searle (13′,37′,49′)
- Pens:
15 George Furbank — 8
In his final home game for the club before departing in the summer, Furbank started off fairly slow but managed to grow into the game. The second half saw him mark the occasion with a well taken try from close range, where he had momentum on his side and latched onto a tidy offload.
14 Tommy Freeman — 8.5
As seen on plenty of occasions this season, Freeman absolutely ruled the right wing. He scored his side’s third try of the evening after composing himself to control a well-weighted Fin Smith kick and just about put it down.
Was unfortunate to not get an assist for Henry Pollock after another nice dribble following a kick chase, as TMO intervened. Could perhaps be considered to have been a bit weak in defending Ollie Hassell-Collins for his try, although he wasn’t in a great position one-on-one out wide.
13 Tom Litchfield — 9
Came off to a standing ovation after a first half hat-trick that sent his side well on their way. Although his departure was slightly timely, he had a very positive impact on the game, even without considering his three scores.
Started the scoring by finding a brilliant line to break through, added a second by latching onto a kick through that was dropped by Freddie Steward, and got his third from close range, breaking a tackle from opposite number Will Wand in the process.
Litchfield’s support running is very impressive and he seems to have developed massively as a player this year, culminating in this performance.
12 Rory Hutchinson — 8
The Scotland international wasn’t massively involved, yet still managed to come up with a couple of key moments. It was his kick through that caused chaos that Freddie Steward failed to deal with for one of Litchfield’s score, and he produced a brilliant behind the back offload just before Furbank’s score to open the second half.
11 George Hendy — 5.5
Had the least involvement of any of the Saints backs, and although he kept Adam Radwan quiet, which is commendable, he didn’t offer much in attack. Not his best day, as he found himself beaten in the air a few times and didn’t get into much space.
10 Fin Smith — 8
Clearly still playing with confidence and was almost flawless from the tee, which in the end proved to be a huge difference. Did unbelievable to slip a tackle, break the line and kick through under pressure from Ollie Chessum to assist Freeman’s try.
Dictated play and tactically kicked very well, culminating in a perfectly weighted kick out wide to Freeman in the lead up to Furbank’s late score to finally secure the game. Turned up when it mattered.
9 Archie McParland — 8
Still has Northampton playing as if England starter Alex Mitchell was still around, which is a huge testament to how well the youngster has stepped up in recent weeks, and especially in such a big game.
Provided a great speed of service throughout the evening and was key in starting the first try with Henry Pollock. Really, really solid and was rewarded with a try 13 minutes from time, which proved to be the winner.
