The Northampton Saints survived a chaotic, error-strewn battle to edge Castres and reach the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals.
In a match packed with tries, yellow cards and handling errors, the hosts ran in seven tries – including a penalty try – to seal a 49-41 win, but were repeatedly dragged back into the contest by their own mistakes.
Castres’ ill-discipline proved costly, with two yellow cards in three first-half minutes and another late in the game, while missed conversions and shaky defence ultimately denied them a famous upset.
When Northampton held onto the ball, they looked lethal.
French flyhalf Anthony Belleau slotted six conversions as the Saints punished gaps with clinical finishing, but their inability to control possession kept Castres alive throughout.
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“We seemed to put some good things on them and then coughed up the ball and they capitalised on it,” said fullback George Furbank.
Castres winger Christian Ambadiang starred early, scoring and creating tries as the visitors raced into the contest, while repeated Northampton errors – including interceptions and loose handling – gifted further opportunities.
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Despite enjoying periods with a numerical advantage, the Saints struggled to pull clear, with director of rugby Phil Dowson admitting his side never felt in control.
“We never thought we were on top of them, we never got away from them in the scoreline, never really managed to deal with the restarts. I never felt the yellow cards were an opportunity, and they played with 14 very well,” he said.
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Ultimately, Northampton’s attacking firepower proved decisive, with late tries sealing a breathless victory.
They now advance to face the winner of the all-English clash between Bath and Saracens.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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