In a completely crazy semi-final, the saints brought one of the European rugby giants on his lawn (34-37). Faced with a rough but too imprecise Leinster, Northampton was courageous, inspired and devilishly realistic. Three tests by Tommy Freeman, an impeccable pack and a last heroic defense: the feat is total for the English who will challenge the UBB or Toulouse in the final on May 24.
It’s an earthquake in Dublin! By dominating the Grand Leinster at home (37-34)Northampton signs a resounding feat and qualified in the final of Champions Cup. Because on the heavy lawn of the Aviva Stadium, no one was waiting for the English at this level. Faced with the Irish monster who had inflicted two fanny in the final stages (62-0 against the Harlequins, 52-0 against Glasgow), the saints first imposed their rhythm, their cheek and their freshness. A test by Tommy Freeman after a breakthrough at the end Smith (0-5, 8th), a stifling defense and a total mastery of the first phases of play launched a signal: it would not be an Irish walk.
What a feat of the saints! The English won against the Leinster. Northampton qualifies for the Champions Cup final to everyone’s surprise. They will face Bordeaux-Bègles or Toulouse.
The report> https://t.co/yhcaipdxay pic.twitter.com/Th56cWW0Nr– Rugby Drama (@Rugbyramafr) https://twitter.com/RugbyramaFR/status/1918735566482354334?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
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Worse for the Dublin public, the saints have reoffended. Tommy Freeman has doubled the bet on a clear action (15-22, 37th), before driving the nail with a hat-trick just before the break (15-27, 39th). At halftime, the painting therefore displayed 27-15 for the English. A slap.
The Leinster reacts, but too late
Upon returning from the locker room, Leinster showed a completely different face. Caelan Doris, with a powerful essay (20-27, 49th), then Josh van der Flier, in force in the axis (25-27, 61st), relaunched the Irish. Pushed by the Aviva Stadium, the men of Leo Cullen accelerated, dominated the collisions and put the saints on the decline.
But Northampton has never cracked. Even in numerical inferiority after Kemeny’s yellow card, even under the assaults of Ringrose, Doris, Lowe or Prendergast, the English held. James Lowe’s test at the end of the match put the Leinster to three small points (34-37, 73rd). And then, a last ball. At five meters. Maximum voltage. In a last stifling sequence, Lenster believed to mark … But Ross Byrne’s test was finally refused (34-37, 80th). Then Northampton held again, again resisted until the final whistle.
Northampton Terrasse the Irish giant and dreams of a new coronation
By winning at Aviva, the saints make one of the greatest exploits in their European history. Fifteen years after their last final of Champions Cup, the English find the summit thanks to an epic victory and are now waiting for the meeting between the Union Bordeaux-Bègles and the Stade Toulousain to know their future opponent. Leinster, on the other hand, will not compete in a fourth consecutive final.
