Northampton Saints became the only English side to win in the opening round of the Champions Cup, edging past a spirited Cardiff side at Franklin’s Gardens in a nervy Pool Four battle.
Northampton Saints (Credits: BBC Sport)
The defending English champions crossed for four tries in tricky conditions, but it was far from comfortable. Saints led 14-0 at half-time thanks to efforts from full-back James Pater and centre Toby Thame, with Pater opening the scoring on a supporting run before Thame crashed over after 20 minutes.
Cardiff refuse to go quietly
Tenacious Cardiff struck back after the break, with Harri Millard hitting a lovely line in the 22 before Mason Grady crossed to make it a two-point game at 14-12 on the hour — helped by a sin-binning for Saints fly-half Anthony Belleau for a breakdown offence.
Just when an upset looked on, George Hendy responded swiftly, juggling the ball over the line before Pater added the conversion. Hendy then turned saviour at the other end, chasing down Josh Adams when a try seemed certain.
One win, but no bonus point
Fraser Dingwall dashed over in the 78th minute to seal it, but Northampton could not find the fifth try needed for a bonus point. The result capped a chastening opening weekend for Prem clubs — Gloucester drew with champions Bordeaux-Begles while six other English sides lost.
Cardiff, returning to Europe’s top tier after two seasons in the Challenge Cup, gave first season appearances to Wales and Lions internationals Taulupe Faletau and Josh Adams. Saints now travel to Stade Francais in December before a January trip to Montpellier.
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Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
