Mauger goes on the back of a win
MARTIN HOPWOOD LEICESTER took a big stride towards the Aviva Premiership play-offs with an action-packed 36-31 derby victory at top-four rivals Northampton in Aaron Mauger’s last game as coach.
Nafi Tuitavake’s early score for Saints set the tone for a thrilling game.
Adam Thompstone replied after a cute pass from Ben Youngs but France forward Louis Picamoles scored one try and made another to put Saints 22-16 up at the break.
A breakaway Youngs try and Lachlan McCaffrey’s score following a burst from the impressive England scrum-half edged Tigers ahead and Owen Williams’ boot sealed victory.
The win takes Tigers up to fourth, three points ahead of Bath and six clear of Saints, who dropped to seventh.
Both sides welcomed back their Six Nations stars and their quality shone through at Franklin’s Gardens.
Exeter came from 14 points down to beat Sale 30-25 at Sandy Park and boost their hopes of securing a home semi-final.
AJ MacGinty landed four penalties and cross-code star Denny Solomona traded scores with Kai Horstmann to leave the visitors 19-5 ahead after 34 minutes.
But Luke Cowan-Dickie’s try just before the break kept the Chiefs in touch.
Olly Woodburn and Don Armand crossed after half-time to earn a bonus point and keep Exeter second in the table.
Rob Baxter’s side are now level on points with leaders Wasps, who play Worcester today.
Sale were good value for their lead but Exeter, who were able to recall England wing Jack Nowell, scored two tries before the interval to keep in contention.
And, with conditions in their favour at the turnaround, they managed two further scores to wrap up a bonus-point win.
Harlequins improved their hopes of a top-six finish with a 53-17 win over Newcastle at The Stoop.
Tane Takulua’s try gave the visitors an early lead but Rob Buchanan and Mike Brown crossed to put Quins in front.
Joe Marchant intercepted Joel Hodgson’s pass to go over before the break, with Newcastle down to 14 men after Juan Pablo Socino was shown a yellow card. Marland Yarde, Mat Luamanu, Danny Care and Tim Swiel added tries in the second half as the hosts earned a bonus point.
Quins were boosted by the return of former England captain Chris Robshaw after 12 weeks out with a shoulder injury.