There was never much doubt over the outcome, regardless of the chaos in the air or the inconsistencies in the home team's performance. English champions hosting a side known, even by French standards, for their travel woes is a fixture that should not require a shaman's insight. And so it proved. Northampton emerged from the floodlit, swirling rainstorm with a full complement of points, six tries, and the successful reintegration of Alex Mitchell into their starting lineup.
It would be misleading to describe this as a return to their championship form of last season, just as it would be unfair to characterize Castres as merely allowing them through. This was practically the epitome of a job well done, a no-nonsense, efficient means-end approach. With the wind and rain against them, the Saints opened up a 14-3 lead in the first half, with early tries from Fraser Dingwall and Temo Mayanavanua. Then, 10 minutes into the second half, they secured their bonus point with two further tries from the outstanding Juarno Augustus and Curtis Langdon. Another try from Augustus just past the hour mark had them 31-3 up, before Castres managed their only try of the match, scored by Pierre Colonna.
This set the stage for another standout performer in Northampton's back row, Henry Pollock, who is certainly one for the future, to drive through half the opposition's midfield with five minutes remaining.
Full report to follow.
Source link: https://www.theguardian.com
