Saints miss big chance
AND IT’S AGONY FOR BROOKES
THERE were moments at Franklin’s Gardens last night when Eddie Jones and Dylan Hartley would have been tempted to make an early exit through the back door.
The England coach and his likely captain, both watching from the stands, had little to get excited about in this try-less stalemate.
Not even Dan Carter, Racing’s million-pound man, could light up a dark night in the East Midlands, with an injury to England tighthead Kieran Brookes adding to the gloom.
Continuing his pre- Six Nations reconnaissance, Jones watched from a corporate box. There was no shortage of contenders for the Australian to cast his eye over, but the new England coach was equally interested in backs specialist Alex King — a front- runner to join his coaching team.
Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder said: ‘Alex has had an unofficial word with Eddie and that’s all we know. The club haven’t heard anything officially. It’s a crucial part of the season and we’d hate to lose him, so hopefully that won’t happen.’
The first half provided little opportunity for King to show off his craft, with neither backline coming close to scoring a try. Northampton stopped Racing’s ball carriers at the gain line and not even the great Carter could mastermind a breakthrough.
Hartley was also in the stands. The confrontational hooker has emerged as favourite to take over the Red Rose captaincy, but Mallinder indicated that leading England in the Six Nations is still some way off for the 29-year-old.
‘We know all about Dylan’s leadership capabilities here,’ said Mallinder. ‘He’s been fantastic as a captain, but I think what Dylan’s got to concentrate on is playing for Northampton. He’s injured and needs to come back and show what he can do for the club.’
Hartley greeted the crowd at half-time, with Racing leading 6- 3 through two Carter penalties to one by Stephen Myler.
Referee Nigel Owens, who took charge of the World Cup final, did his best to let the game flow but the impasse continued deep into the second half. Carter stripped Luther Burrell of possession as the centre set off on a powerful charge and George North, who has not scored since March, continued his dry spell.
Mike Phillips tried to smash his way over the gain line from scrum-half, but the Parisians eventually sought a change of approach with the more nimble Maxime Machenaud.
Myler drew Northampton level with a 40-metre penalty in the 52nd minute. Despite missing all their international front rows, the hosts regrouped at the scrum and won Myler a third kick at goal, but his effort fell short from halfway.
The fly-halves exchanged further penalties, with Kahn Fotuali’i penalised for coming off his feet and Wenceslas Lauret — showing little festive cheer — blown up for a neck-lock on replacement Paul Hill.
Having been named man of the match on his debut in Paris last week, Carter almost gifted victory to the Saints in the 66th minute. Deep in his in-goal area, the Kiwi saw his clearance kick charged down by George Pisi, but Jamie Elliott was held up just short.