Northampton prevail 24-14 after a dramatic conflict with Munster at Franklin’s Gardens; 21-year-old substitute wing George Hendy performed a starring function scoring two very important tries; Northampton to face Bulls in Champions Cup quarter-finals
Final Up to date: 07/04/24 4:19pm
George Hendy dives over to attain his second strive
Northampton charged via to the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals after two tries by George Hendy broke Munster’s resistance in a 24-14 victory at Franklin’s Gardens.
Hendy, Saints’ 21-year-old substitute wing, crossed twice within the remaining quarter of a gripping round-of-16 encounter fought out by the Gallagher Premiership’s leaders and present holders of the United Rugby Championship crown.
This rematch of the 2000 remaining was each bit as dramatic regardless of the swirling winds that made kicking and patrolling the backfield tough.
Hendy scored two very important tries
Saints missed injured full-back George Furbank, certainly one of their only attacking weapons this season, whereas one other influential England star Alex Mitchell was restricted to a supporting function off the bench.
But they nonetheless produced the match’s decisive second when substitute again Hendy completed an excellent strive made doable by Fin Smith’s resolution making, earlier than England U20 worldwide Hendy confirmed power to seize his second within the 73rd minute.
Northampton be part of Premiership rivals Harlequins and Exeter in subsequent weekend’s quarter-finals the place they may host South Africa’s Bulls, having proved their mettle and attacking class in opposition to Munster.
Within the opening 10 minutes they soaked up part after part of Munster’s early onslaught earlier than hitting again with their first assault via James Ramm.
The guests went straight again on the offensive to attract stage via wing Sean O’Brien and the frantic tempo of the opening quarter continued because the rivals took it in turns to threaten the whitewash.
Munster had been clearly on high, nevertheless, with their rising dominance based on their potential to retain possession and intent to maintain the ball transferring, ways that had been creating holes within the dwelling defence.
Hendy leaps over the road to attain
Mike Haley was the subsequent over after scrum-half Tom James had ducked below tackles to maintain the transfer alive and in an indication of Northampton’s struggles, a turnover near their line produced a loud cheer from their followers.
They got extra to shout about when Tommy Freeman raced over within the thirty sixth minute as soon as Saints had sucked in defenders following a scrum to create house in midfield.
The high-octane play continued into the second half however Munster had been now not in a position to maintain on to the ball for such lengthy stretches, whereas dealing with errors more and more affected the endeavour proven.
As an alternative, Northampton had been controlling territory and possession, and having seen a variety of strikes foiled by self-inflicted errors, their assault clicked into gear superbly within the 61st minute for Hendy to cross.
The transfer began from a lineout inside Saints’ 22 with Smith racing ahead and feeding Ollie Sleightholme off his wing with a delayed go earlier than Ramm despatched Hendy over.
Smith failed with a conversion after which a penalty try, the wind intervening to make each kicks a lottery, however Hendy ended any doubt when he broke two tackles to the touch down within the left nook.
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