Hartley's red card proves costly as Northampton Saints succumb to 10-37 defeat to Leinster

Northampton Saints 10-37 Leinster, Franklin's Gardens
Scorecard

Leinster consolidated their position at the top of the table after they secured a 10-37 bonus point win over Northampton Saints in their European Champions Cup game at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday.

England coach Eddie Jones was present at the stadium and had to witness a red card for Dylan Hartley, who was sent-off six minutes after coming on in the second half for striking Leinster's Sean O'Brien.

Also it was a bit of a happy homecoming for former England coach Stuart Lancaster, who is among the coaching panel of Leinster.

It took Leinster just one minute to get off the mark with Ireland international Garry Ringrose crossing over allowing Isa Nacewa to add the conversion. The wing also added a penalty shortly to stretch the lead to 10 points.

Fly-half Stephen Myler opened Northampton Saints' account with a penalty in the 19th minute as the home team went into half-time trailing by seven points.

Replacement Ahsee Tuala struck for the Saints immediately at the start of the second half and Myler's conversion meant the scores were levelled following which Nacewa took Leinster to three-point lead with a penalty.

O'Brien allowed some breathing space for Leinster with a 55th minute try but two minutes later he was knocked down by Hartley with a swinging arm which left Northampton Saints one man short for the rest of the game.

Leinster made full use of the opportunity as Rory O'Loughlin, Jamison Gibson-Park and Nacewa rumbled past the post to complete a 27-point win for the Irish side.