Biggar the starman as Northampton dominate Newcastle Falcons
Dan Biggar kicked 17 points as Northampton secured a comfortable bonus-point win away at Newcastle, running in five tries in a 44-8 triumph.
The attacking flair of the Saints was too much for Newcastle, with Tom Collins, Courtnall Skosan, Sam Matavesi, George Furbank and Tom James all crossing for tries.
The result moves them up to fifth in the Premiership table, just three points off the top four, while Newcastle sit eighth.
The Saints had the first opportunity of the game at Kingston Park, as Alex Waller kicked a loose ball forward from halfway and – with no-one home for the Falcons – he seemed likely to score but slipped going for the ball, allowing Newcastle to get back and win a penalty.
Newcastle fly-half Joel Hodgson landed the first points of the game as he kicked a simple penalty after Northampton were pinged for offside after 15 minutes.
Northampton soon responded though with a try from Collins.
A huge hit in the middle from Fraser Dingwall dislodged the ball, which was hacked forward by Rory Hutchinson for Collins to gather and dot down over the line. Biggar converted the kick to put the visitors ahead after 22 minutes.
The lead was extended four minutes later as Biggar knocked over a penalty as the Saints began to take control of the match.
Referee Matthew Carley stamped his authority on the game with yellows for Newcastle’s Philip Van der Walt and Northampton’s Teimana Harrison for a fracas on the floor following a penalty.
Saints added their second try on the half-hour after Skosan ran clear in under the posts. Biggar added the conversion and kicked a penalty to further cement the lead.
Biggar got the first points of the second half as he knocked over a drop goal to give his side a 20-point advantage.
However, the Falcons forced their way back as a series of penalties from Saints five metres out gave Newcastle the platform to attack.
George McGuigan delivered, burrowing over from a rolling maul – however Hodgson was not able to add the extras.
The visitors responded almost immediately and Matavesi crashed over after breaking away from a maul with an hour played. Biggar once again added the two points.
The bonus point was secured in the 62nd minute. Saints got clear down the left side and Collins chipped ahead delicately and the bounce was kind to Furbank who was able to slide in.
The scoring was not finished yet though, as Northampton grabbed their fifth try through replacement James. Furbank made the try with a fantastic line through the middle and he gave a simple pass to James who was able to canter in under the posts. Furbank kicked the conversion.
That final try added the gloss to a flowing performance from Northampton who bounced back after their defeat to Saracens.
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Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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