Bulls 21-30 Northampton Saints: Tommy Freeman scores two tries in outstanding win
The Premier League champions have struggled domestically so far this season and began their European tour with a 38-8 win over understrength Castre last weekend, but this is a very different test.
With temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius in Pretoria, they had to work hard to survive until the opening half-hour, with Forbank forced off after being hit by Bulls captain Earley, who used his shirt as a They suffered a setback as a makeshift sling was used to support his right arm. labor.
Northampton were undoubtedly helped by the Bulls’ lack of ruthlessness in the early stages. The home side may have dominated physically, causing the visitors all sorts of problems in the scrums, but failed to convert that into points when the door seemed wide open.
Saints conceded four penalties in the opening 15 minutes, with Iyogun twice being penalized for causing confusion due to scrums, but twice escaped as the home team’s attempts were ruled out, with Goosen also Lost the ball a few meters from the free throw line.
Goosen actually added to the conversion after Devon Williams had cleared a pass from Embrose Papier over the top corner and dived in for the corner, but Goosen actually added to the conversion as Willie Barred by Willie le Roux, the attempt was withdrawn from review and ruled out.
Subsequently, former Celtic player Ake van der Merwe rushed to grab the point, but referee Luke Ramos had already blown the whistle due to Van Heerden’s blockage.
Northampton lost Iyogun, but not only did they not lose a point in the absence of 10 minutes, but they also turned the deficit into a lead through Augustus’ goal.
The Bulls’ offensive profligacy came back to haunt them, with Moody and Leroux chasing a kick over the top that the center had just won – but as Goosen prepared to kick the ball, the TV match official was called again and ruled: the ball Didn’t land.
Victory seemed imminent when Freeman extended Northampton’s lead to 22-7 – but there was always the danger of them tiring in the heat and Hannecombe’s impressive double points increase their anxiety.
To their credit, Northampton did not give in, with Smith and Freeman taking the game away from the home side.
