Northampton Saints boosted their Heineken Cup prospects on Sunday with an impressive second half display to win 34-0 over Perpignan at Franklins Gardens.
The score was only 6-0 at halftime, but three quick tries in the second half, as well as a later bonus point try by Jon Clarke, sealed the victory.
Ben Foden was on devastating form, cutting the line from the back and setting up a try for Chris Ashton, as well as playing a part in other attacks. Ashton, Phil Dowson, and Lee Dickson crossed for tries, before Clarkes late effort delighted the home crowd.
Saints captain Dylan Hartley put the victory down to a lot of hard work.
It’s all down to our mentality really. We work hard in the week, we work hard for each other and on the pitch we play for the full 80 minutes,” the England hooker said.
The bonus point win has set up a mouth watering all or nothing encounter with Munster on Friday night. Saints now have a chance of qualification but will need to win to make sure theyre in the knock-out stage.
“Everyone knows who Munster are and what they can do,” Hartley added.
“We’ve just got to treat this as though it’s our last game. We’ll go out there and play, and we have to win it.
“Heineken Cup rugby is special. When you take on sides like Perpignan and Munster it’s as close to an international as you’ll get. They’re massive teams and massive occasions.”
Time:
03:11
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