NORTHAMPTON 59-22 BULLS – SAINTS DOMINATE FOR WIN TO BOOK SEMI-FINAL SPOT IN INVESTEC CHAMPIONS CUP
In a high-scoring affair at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton Saints got the better of the Bulls to book their place in the semi-finals of the Investec Champions Cup. Saints were the strong favourites going into the match on Saturday evening and justified that position with a dominant win against South African opposition in front of their home supporters
Northampton Saints booked their place in the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals with a hard-earned victory over Vodacom Bulls at Franklin’s Gardens.
James Ramm and Alex Mitchell scored two tries each, while Courtney Lawes, Ollie Sleightholme, Alex Coles, Fraser Dingwall and Juarno Augustus also went over as Saints advanced to the last four for the first time in 13 years.
This was the hosts’ first Champions Cup quarter-final on home soil since they lifted the trophy in 2000, and they broke through in the 10th minute when the unchallenged Ramm raced over from the halfway line.
Cameron Hanekom quickly responded for Bulls, who were appearing in their maiden Champions Cup quarter-final, but tries from Lawes, Sleightholme and Mitchell soon restored Saints’ dominance.
The visitors reduced the deficit before the break with Akker van der Merwe going over, before Sebastian de Klerk intercepted Mitchell’s offload and sprinted the length of the pitch to cut the gap to 28-22.
Saints, who have only lost once at home all season, established their authority once more in the second half.
Ramm and Mitchell grabbed their second tries, while Dingwall and Augustus also crossed as they soared into the semi-finals.
