Saints flounder to a draw with Racing 92 in front of Eddie Jones

Northampton's English contingent failed to make a substantial impression in front of a watching Eddie Jones as the new England coach resumed his busy pre-Christmas scouting tour of the Aviva Premiership clubs.

Jones, who visits Wasps and Leicester during this weekend’s European action, was present at Franklin's Gardens to watch Saints' hopes of reaching the Champions Cup knockout phase flounder with a dour 9-9 draw with Racing Metro. 

The most frustrated of those hoping to catch Jones’ eye must have been Kieran Brookes, who limped off just before the half hour mark. 

Luther Burrell struggled to make much headway against Racing's midfield and in truth, his game does not fit the mould of the playmaking 12 favoured by Jones in the past, while lock Courtney Lawes was inconspicuous throughout.

Tom Wood was missing with a shoulder injury and there was nothing from fringe contenders Ben Foden, Stephen Myler and Lee Dickson to argue for their return to the Red Rose fold.

Dylan Hartley was sidelined again with a concussion and with a date for his return yet to be the set, the hooker is running out of time to demonstrate why he has been identified by Jones as Chris Robshaw's successor as England captain. 

Racing cemented their place at the summit of Pool Three through three penalties from fly-half Dan Carter, despite his right leg being heavily strapped, and the Parisians still have a game in hand on closest rivals Northampton.

Myler kicked all of Saints' points in a poor spectacle full of attrition and grunt and lacking in quality.

Northampton's former South Africa lock Victor Matfield was prominent early on with a couple of runs in wide channels, but it was an otherwise dismal first half that was short on highlights.

Racing looked to finish the half with a flourish as they attacked through their big forwards, but were turned over once again. 

Inside centre Henry Chavancy burst through, was stopped by Lee Dickson, and when the referee Nigel Owens blew for a Northampton penalty the Saints scrum-half engaged in a shoving match with opposite number Mike Phillips before the two were separated in one of few moment’s of interest in the first forty minutes.

Two penalties from Carter gave Racing a 6-3 interval lead and as the final quarter loomed the score only read 9-6 to the Top 14 club, Myler missing an opportunity to take the lead midway through the second half.

Carter's goalline clearance on 70 minutes was charged down by George Pisi and fell into the arms of wing Jamie Elliott, but furious scrambling defence from Racing kept their whitewash intact. 

Myler's third penalty levelled the score and neither side were able to end the stalemate that encompassed the entire game.