Northampton Saints triumph over Clermont Auvergne 46-24 in Champions Cup

Northampton Saints 46-24 Clermont, cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens

Northampton Saints delivered a dominant display at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens to defeat Clermont Auvergne 46-24, booking their place in the quarter-finals of the Investec Champions Cup for the second year in a row.

After going behind early, the Saints hit their stride with seven tries in a confident, high-tempo performance that overwhelmed their French visitors.

Clermont started the match brightly and took the lead in the 5th minute through a penalty by fly-half Anthony Belleau.

They extended their advantage to 10-0 in the 12th minute, when George Moala broke through the Saints' midfield to score under the posts after a well-worked build-up.

The Saints responded with energy and precision. Fin Smith slotted a penalty in the 18th minute, and just two minutes later, he took a quick tap and dummied his way over the line, converting his own try to level the match at 10-10.

That momentum carried forward, as winger Tommy Freeman crossed twice in quick succession — first in the 24th and then again in the 30th minute — as Northampton exploited space out wide with clinical precision.

The Saints’ forward dominance was rewarded before the break when No.8 Juarno Augustus powered over from a lineout drive in the 40th minute, giving the home side a commanding 27-10 halftime lead.

Northampton resumed where they left off. Within five minutes of the restart, Augustus had his second try of the night, benefiting from a piercing run by fullback George Hendy and a perfectly timed offload. Fin Smith converted to make it 34-10.

Clermont responded with a determined burst. Alivereti Raka bulldozed through the defensive line for a try in the 50th minute, and Folau Fainga’a followed up with another five minutes later. With both scores converted, the French side narrowed the gap to 34-24 and threatened a late comeback.

However, any hope of a turnaround was snuffed out when Freeman completed his hat-trick in the 62nd minute, slicing through the midfield and scoring under the posts.

The Saints’ final try came in the 73rd minute, when flanker Henry Pollock reacted quickest to a deft grubber kick to score in the corner, rounding off an exhilarating team performance.