The East Midlands Derby delivered a thrilling spectacle, but a cloud of concern hangs over Northampton Saints after a hard-fought victory against Leicester Tigers. Anthony Belleau, the 'razor-sharp' French maestro, stole the show with his incredible performance, but an injury to England star Tommy Freeman cast a shadow over the celebration. Let's dive into the five key takeaways from this PREM clash at Franklin's Gardens.
First, let's talk about Belleau. This player, who came off the bench, was the hero of the day, securing the win for Northampton with two moments of sheer brilliance. The match was a rollercoaster, with the lead changing hands no less than nine times! The home side ultimately clinched victory after Belleau replaced the injured Freeman. His back-to-back tries in the third quarter were a game-changer for Northampton, who had struggled to score in the second half of their previous two games. Fin Smith, Edoardo Todaro, and Tom Pearson also contributed tries for Saints, who rightfully earned the bragging rights by scoring five tries to Leicester's two. But here's where it gets controversial: Freeman's injury is a significant blow, especially with the England team's autumn Test series against Australia just around the corner.
Secondly, Northampton finally managed to hold onto a lead. After nearly squandering a significant lead in their previous games, they were on the verge of repeating the pattern. Leicester wrestled back the lead five times! But Northampton survived, largely thanks to Belleau's heroics. It's worth noting that Belleau, a former Toulon and Clermont player, took a pay cut to join Saints, eager to experience top-flight English rugby. Phil Dowson, the team's coach, must be immensely grateful for his decision.
Belleau's impact was undeniable. His late kick and exceptional finishing skills were the difference. On the 51st minute, he received the ball from Fraser Dingwall and Rory Hutchison, and despite the close attention of Will Wand and Ollie Hassell-Collins, he managed to score in the left corner. He then followed up with another stunning try, chipping the ball over the Tigers' defense and taking it all the way to the house.
Leicester, despite the loss, played with passion and determination. They were inspired by their boss, Geoff Parling, who had spoken about the team's desire to honor Lewis Moody, their former star, who recently revealed his motor neurone disease diagnosis. The Tigers started strong, but the atmosphere shifted when the referee had to leave the game due to injury. The Tigers' forwards dominated the first half, winning scrum penalties and disrupting Saints' lineouts.
Freddie Steward, the England full-back, was a standout performer for Leicester. After a challenging couple of years, he's back in top form. His aerial skills were particularly impressive, leading TNT Sports pundit Brian O'Driscoll to compare him to a Gaelic footballer. Steward's moment of brilliance came when he caught a high ball and linked up with Emeka Ilione to score a try.
Finally, Northampton's Lions stepped up when it mattered most. With four British and Irish Lions in their ranks, Saints had the class to see off the Tigers. Smith and Alex Mitchell combined beautifully for an early try, showcasing their skill and understanding. Belleau then took over, but Henry Pollock's contribution off the bench, along with Josh Kemeny, was crucial in securing a vital penalty.
What do you think about the impact of individual brilliance versus team effort in such high-stakes matches? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
