Chaotic second half as Saints strike again in South Africa

After a heavy defeat to Saracens last weekend in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup last week, the Bulls needed a win to keep their campaign alive. Their opposition today, however, Northampton Saints, were looking to continue their winning ways after their own huge thumping victory against Castres.

It was a frustrating start for both teams in the 31-degree heat in Pretoria with neither side able to string enough passes together to gain any real momentum. Despite being dominant at scrum time, the Bulls couldn’t capitalise and on thirty minutes replacement, George Hendy scored a scintillating try for Northampton Saints thanks to a lovely offload from Fin Smith. Four minutes later, the home crowd erupted and this time it was the Bulls, suddenly striking back.

“What an impact from the replacement!” 🎙️

George Hendy breaks the deadlock and @SaintsRugby lead at Loftus Versfeld 😇#InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/EbKuhG24KV

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 14, 2024

With plenty of infringements throughout the first half, the referee found himself forced into sin-binning Saints’ Emmanuel Iyogun for yet another scrum offence. However, it didn’t affect Saints’ ability to score their second. An injection of pace from Alex Mitchell allowed him to break the line and offload to South African Juarno Augustus to score against his own countrymen.

Half time: 7-12 to Northampton Saints. 

Shortly into the second half, the Bulls thought they found their way back into the game with their second try, but yet another knock-on caused the referee to rule it out. Midway through the second half Saints extended their lead with another try through Tommy Freeman. Another scrum penalty moments later allowed the Bulls to bite back. 14-22.

Just when Northampton thought they could cruise to the finish line, the Bulls fought their back through their no.8 with ten minutes to go, bringing the scores back to one.

After a few fisty cuffs from both sides, Phil Dowson’s men continued to rub the Bulls up the wrong way, earning a kickable penalty to take the lead to four. Northampton continued to dominate and sealed the win three minutes before full-time, with Tommy Freeman scoring his second of the game and securing a Saints bonus point.

A brilliant bonus point win for Saints – a statement victory and a first in South Africa in the Investec Champions Cup. Plenty to work on for the Bulls.

Full time: 21-30.