LONDON IRISH 3 NORTHAMPTON 27

A strong second-half performance saw Northampton win a low-key battle against London Irish at the Stoop.

There were seven penalties in the first 17 minutes as both sides struggled with the new breakdown laws and, from the last of these, Grayson kicked the visitors into the lead.

Northampton were the more inventive side in the opening half-hour but it was their opponents who came nearest to a try when Ollie HassellCollins was sent away down the left flank. However, the wing threw a poor inside pass to ruin any chance of a score.

Irish suffered further blows when three-quarters Theo Brophy-Clews and Ben Loader were forced to leave the field with injuries but Jackson’s easy penalty brought the sides level at half-time.

The hosts would probably have been the happier at the interval as they turned to have the breeze in their favour during the second half.

However, Saints always appeared to be the more potent force and they were rewarded with the first try when skilful work by centres Matt Proctor and Rory Hutchinson created space for Collins to kick ahead and win the race for the touchdown.

Irish suffered a further injury blow when replacement scrum-half Nick Phipps was withdrawn for a head injury assessment and their fortunes took another downturn when Saints were awarded a penalty try after Kepu had collapsed a driving maul and was yellow-carded.

The concession of five scrum penalties in quick succession saw another penalty-try award with replacement prop Goodrick-Clarke booked before Saints saved the best until last when Tuala evaded two weak tackles to crash over in the corner for the bonus point.