Northampton get back some of their pride

Northampton restored some of their lost pride after a wretched European campaign with a stunning bonus victory to end Clermont’s unbeaten run.

A dominant second-half display produced tries for Ben Foden, Ken Pisi and Cobus Reinach and went a long way towards erasing the memory of their shambolic display against Ospreys five weeks ago which led to Jim Mallinder’s departure as director of rugby. Under Alan Gaffney, there have been encouraging signs of a recovery.

“The players have been to some dark places over the last three months,” said attack coach Alan Dickens. “It’s good to see them smiling and the ground rocking.” Northampton head to Saracens for their final pool match next Saturday in decent fettle.

Yesterday, their defence was twice exposed in the first half when Clermont attacked with wing Remi Grosso crossing almost from the kick-off, then Nick Abendanon setting up Isaiah Toeava. Last month, Northampton might have disappeared without trace, but they were driven by the aggression of Dylan Hartley, Courtney Lawes and Tom Wood and inspired by a couple of touches of magic from Foden.

A crossfield kick from Foden bounced kindly for Nafi Tuitavake, who then gathered a poor clearance from Luke McAlister and raced through a gaping hole for the try that turned the match. “Ben is talking about rolling back the years. He’s got boots on from 2011, and thinks that was the secret today. I was really pleased for him. He should be chuffed,” Dickens said.

Northampton were never comfortable, but Hartley instilled improved discipline in the second half. Clermont, struggling to retain their Top 14 title in an injury-ravaged season, lost the tactical battle by kicking away too much possession.

Northampton made their pressure in the final quarter pay as Pisi wriggled over after Harry Mallinder found Rob Horne with a hanging kick. Reinach denied Clermont a losing bonus point when he went over from close range.