Northampton Saints return to Twickenham on Saturday, looking to be crowned Prem champions for the second time in three seasons.
They go there after finishing top of the table, scoring more tries in a season than any other club. They have entertained like no other club – the rugby at the Gardens this season has been breath-taking.
One more win will confirm this to be a truly great era for Saints.
Two years ago, the story was about a young squad reaching its first major final. Young, with a few notable exceptions.
One of the main narratives around the final was of the perfect farewell for a trio of players who were the embodiment of the club – captain Lewis Ludlam, prop Alex Waller and of course, the legendary Courtney Lawes.
You felt there was no way that these three would allow Saints to lose that final.
Their absence the following season was felt – Saints struggled to fill the leadership vacuum as their defence of the title saw them finish a miserable eighth.
All was not lost though – the season was rescued by a remarkable run in the Champions Cup, which saw them beat Leinster in Dublin before ultimately losing to Bordeaux in the final in Cardiff.
Despite the disappointment of that season, the Saints coaches stuck to their attacking instincts. Head coach Sam Vesty will tell you that the game plan is broadly the same as it has been throughout his time at the club.
It is an oversimplification but everyone can see it – with fast, front-foot ball, the Saints backs are unstoppable.
Leave a Reply