Castres - Saints

Entering the last match of the Heineken pool stages and the Saints are one of only teams so far unbeaten.  This guaraatees that we are through to the quarter finals.  But where we end up, and if we get a home game, depends on the match against Castres.  It's away, and Castres have an incredibly good record at home, having beaten all the big French sides this season.

What emerges is a match that shows the Saints have got over their New Year blues.    Both forwards and backs combine into a strong, instoppable, force.  The scrum win the ball repeatedly, and then Fodes and Joe come into the line to give penetration.  Smyler once again shows tactical understanding with penetrating kicks as well as fine distribution of the ball when running is the correct option.  Smyler introduces more than the crash ball, including delayed passes, scissors, and floating balls.  This keeps the opposition guessing and they can't come up with an answer.

The first try for the Saints comes from Joe.  A great run from him sees him defeat four defenders before going over the line.  The second try is again set up by Joe, who manages a great penetrating run.  ALthough he possibly passes too early meaning that the ball ends up going down, it is recycled and Smyler makes the run for the line.  Surprisingly at the last minute he passes to Dowse who goes over.  Many think that Smyler could have gone over himself, but watching later it is likely he would have been tackled whereas his pass wrong foots the one remainding defender.  The thirs try again invovles Joe.  Deep in the Saints half Sorenson manages to get a turnover and the ball goes to Joe.  He is tackled but manages to off-load.  There then follows a juggling act up the field, no-one quite having full control of the ball, and Joe comes in again to take it after a wonderful backhand pass from Rabbit.  Joe is tap tackled and can't keep his balance, he goes down, but off-loads to Fodes who then goes over.

Saints win.