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Smith (18'), Freeman (23', 29', 60'), Augustus (41', 46'), Pollock (71')
Tries
Moala (11'), Raka (49'), Fainga'a (55')
Smith (19', 42', 47', 72')
Conversions
Belleau (12', 50', 56')
Smith (15')
Penalties
Belleau (4')
Northampton Saints finally dug out the form that made them Gallagher Premiership champions last season to keep alive English club interest in the Investec Champions Cup.
By the time the other four Premiership clubs - Harlequins, Saracens, Leicester Tigers, and Sale Sharks - lost, Phil Dowson’s side were in the quarterfinals following a commanding 46-24 win over Clermont Auvergne at Franklin’s Gardens on Friday.
After a fast start from the visitors to go 10-0 ahead, the Saints bossed proceedings for the remainder of the fixture.
BIG NAMES TO THE FORE
All their big names shone. Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith were back in their groove at halfback, Fraser Dingwell linked play impressively, Henry Pollock set his usual high standards, while Tommy Freeman sent a message to Lions coach Andy Farrell with a hat-trick.
Victory helped banish memories of the two Premiership defeats since the Six Nations, 33-0 at home to Leicester Tigers, and away to Sale.
It also opens up their path to the semifinals as next up are Castres Olympique, no pushovers, but probably the weakest of the five French sides.
They are familiar foes as Castres are Northampton’s most frequent opponents. The quarterfinal is the 12th time they’ve met, though the first in a knockout match.
FAMILIAR FOES
Their most recent meeting will fill Saints with confidence, winning 38-8 in the pool stage. Castres showed they can win away though when they played Saracens and left with a 32-24 victory.
Unlike their future hosts Castres do have interest in their domestic championship. Xavier Sadourny’s side sit fifth in the Top 14, so will they risk starting all their main men?
The winners will face either Leinster or Glasgow Warriors away in the semis. That is a challenge for another week, but if the Saints do win next weekend, their confidence will be sky high no matter who they play.
