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Northampton Saints Player Ratings: Northampton Saints produced an unlikely display of attacking rugby to win Bath 71-48 at DPD Stadium in Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday, with both sides securing the bonus point try before half-time.
Bath opened up the Saints on several occasions during the first half with 55 points, but Northampton leveled again after the break. Alex Mitchell orchestrated a blistering pace performance, Alex Coles ran rampant up the pitch and Ollie Sleightholme finished with a hat-trick, 151 meters and 11 defenders beaten in one of the great individual PREM displays.
15 James Pater – 8.5
Another significant statement from the 19-year-old. His long pass was a key part of Sleightholme’s brilliant first try before he showed serious pace to punish Carreras’ fumble and run in from 50 metres. He added a strong outing in the build-up to another outstanding team performance and finished with 90 yards and four tackles for loss from eight carries.
14 Tommy Freeman – 8.5
A constant threat. His brilliant one-handed drop helped keep the move alive for Sleightholme’s first, before collecting a grubber of his own to apply the pressure that produced Bayliss’ yellow card. He scored twice, produced two line-breaks and two offloads, and was even penalized for a late tackle.
13 Rory Hutchinson – 8.5
His return pass for Smith’s first try was sublime, holding off Bath’s aggressive defense before unleashing his fly-half into the gap. He made another line break in the build-up to Sleightholme’s second and consistently helped the Saints move the point of attack. Ten carries for 31 metres, although two missed tackles offered Bath a chance.
12 Fraser Dingwall – 8.5
He saw a six-on-two developing and pulled back, dropped a dummy and strolled over from 25 yards for a try. He added six carries for 27 meters and won a turnover, providing his usual understated connective work in a Northampton back line that operates at breakneck speed.
11 Ollie Sleightholme – 9.5
Sensational. He finished three tries, made four line breaks, carried 151 match-high meters and beat an incredible 11 defenders. His first completed one of the tries of the season, the second a length-of-the-field masterpiece and the third saw him fight through three attackers. He should have released McParland after another clean break, but that hardly detracts from the devastating display.
10 Finn Smith – 9
Set the tone with a nicely judged kick-off before slotting through for the first try after getting back behind Hutchinson. Put Freeman under the post with a perfectly timed short pass and later showed strength to deny Carreras before laying it out for Coles’ score. They missed three conversions but controlled an outstanding attacking display superbly.
9 Alex Mitchell – 9
World class. The speed with which Northampton moved up the pitch repeatedly prevented Bath from setting up their defence, and his slap pass was instrumental in Sleightholme’s first try. He then produced an outrageous individual score from a scrum, a scramble, a clearance and a re-collection. Saints noticeably accelerated whenever he touched the ball.
1 Emmanuel Iyogun – 6
Saints had the stronger scrum early on, but Iyogun endured a difficult moment when Tuipulotu broke through his tackle for Green’s first goal. He was then penalized for walking around on the run just before half-time, allowing Russell to reduce Northampton’s lead. Still completed 10 competitions.
2 Curtis Langdon – 7
A mostly understated performance amid the attacking fireworks. He made 17 tackles, the most for Northampton, during his 56 minutes and provided plenty of industry through the middle before being replaced by Robbie Smith.
3 Cleopas sees me – 6
Another who suffered when Tuipulotu charged through the Northampton defence, failing to stop the whore in the build-up to Green’s try. He responded with plenty of defensive work, making 16 tackles, although three misses highlighted Bath’s success in breaking through the Saints during the first half.
4 Alex Coles – 9.5
Magnificent. Repeatedly carried as a back row forward in wide channels, setting up Griffin with one early run and finishing with two line breaks, 49 meters and four defenders beaten. His short line and pass put Kemeny over before he was rewarded with a try of his own. Somehow he found time to make 17 tackles and recover a turnover.
5 JJ van der Mescht – 7
A solid performance before being withdrawn shortly after half time. Carried six times for 23 meters and made eight tackles as Northampton tried to contain Bath’s powerful close-range attack.
6 Josh Kemeny – 8
Rewarded for his run support when Coles broke through at the break, picking off the final pass and finishing in the corner. He made 12 tackles, won a fumble and added 27 yards on just three carries during a high-energy display.
7 Henry Pollock – 6
Unusually quiet for his standards. He got plenty of defensive work with 15 tackles, but had just three carries for ten yards and didn’t have his usual impact on Northampton’s breakdown or attack. Replaced an hour ago.
8 Callum Chick – 8
His contribution to Northampton’s score the length of the pitch was typical of the standard of handling that afternoon, producing an excellent wide pass as forwards and full-backs combined seamlessly. He led the Saints pack with 13 carries and consistently provided a reliable connection in their high-tempo phase of the game.
Substitutions – 8
Robbie Smith made a particularly incisive contribution in the build-up to Coles’ try as Northampton kept up their pace despite the big changes.
