1
Phil Dowson frustrated by sloppy Northampton Saints
By PA
Northampton head coach Phil Dowson rued his side’s inability to take their chances after a late rally came up just short in a 35-29 defeat to Harlequins in a Gallagher Premiership game of nine tries.
The Saints trailed 14-0 after only six minutes and 28-10 early in the second half but had the majority of territory and possession in the contest.
But ill-luck and a lack of precision cost them as Jack Musk scored two tries for Quins with Lennox Anyanwu, Luke Northmore and Cadan Murley also touching down.
Lewis Ludlam, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank and Tom James scored Saints’ tries to earn them two bonus points, but Dowson was frustrated with his side’s start.
He said: “We were very slow coming out of the blocks, we were under pressure in the first scrum but fine in that area after that, but we went 7-0 down and then 14 after we lost possession after trying to play too wide too early.
“Then we were not clinical enough and need to be better, but we showed great character so it’s frustrating.
“It’s positive that we are creating lots of opportunities but we repeatedly turned the ball over in their 22 so it became an uphill battle as we gave ourselves a mountain to climb.
“The off-load is a great attacking weapon but we need to assess whether we throw it or not and that’s a problem for the coaches to consider.”
Murley’s spectacular effort put Harlequins 35-15 up before Northampton fought back.
And Harlequins head coach Tabai Matson feels Murley could boost Eddie Jones’ England squad.
Matson said: “What a finish that was as I thought he would be cleaned out before he even got to the 22.
“There are not many finishers like him in the league and we’ve already recommended him to Eddie Jones but we haven’t heard anything back.”
On his side’s win, Matson added: “We knew it would be tough and it certainly was but it was amazing to get a victory as they butchered a few scores.
“It was a really good spectacle for the neutral but the most pleasing aspect for me was the five minutes of defence at the end as it takes a lot of discipline not to give penalties away in that situation.”
Trending on RugbyPass
2
David Campese names his Springbok world player of the year winner
3
Let's be real about these All Blacks
4
Why World Cup winner doesn’t blame All Black for leaving New Zealand
5
Latest Comments
Does anyone know a way to loook at how many mins each player has played whilst on tour?
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to comments