Rugby Union: Quins show more grit
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Northampton 16
Harlequins 23
IAN McGEECHAN has a busy winter ahead of him. Barely a week in his new job as Northampton's Director of Rugby, his charges showed they will take a lot of directing away from the drop to the Second Division.
It would be a tragedy for such an attractive club to fall from the top flight. But five defeats out of five league games looks suspiciously like a habit of failure. The Scotland and Lions coach said of his new task: 'As victories come and confidence grows, the picture will look a lot different.'
Perhaps. But yesterday, the assertion looked more like a hope than an expectation. There was a similar denial of panic from the Northampton captain, Tim Rodber. 'The alarm bells aren't ringing yet,' he said with the air of someone being deafened by very loud alarm bells.
'But this is a proud club and we've got to get the show back on the road, er, not that the show is off the road.'
Rodber's defence was that the skill is there but the experience is not - and that will come with time. McGeechan reckons it could take until Christmas.
Ironically, the Saints played like a confident, skilful side for much of the afternoon. But the bald statistics of three Harlequins tries to their single - albeit scintillating - crossing of the line told a truer story.
The outside-half Paul Grayson was typical of Northampton, fashioning the best try of the game by gathering when the Quins full-back failed to catch a high ball. He gathered, distributed shrewdly, retook the ball and then switched play into wide space to let the full-back Ian Hunter cross. But then he squandered a series of place kicks that should have sealed the game. The two clinching tries both came as Northampton eased up in loose play, the Quins winger Gavin Thompson capitalising both times.
Quins were efficient and more purposeful without ever seeming to sparkle. They have bucked up since the start of the season but still have some way to go to reach the heights they think are their natural level.
Quins continued their customary slow acceleration into the season. Brian Moore inspires as though born to be the captain. He has put a bit of grit and determination into the side. But while they now present a tight act, it is not one to ignite enthusiasm. Will Carling, back after two matches out nursing a hamstring injury, fails to look like a world-class centre.
In truth, the contest had the feel of a race between also-rans.
Northampton: I Hunter; F Packman, N Beal, R MacNaughton, H Thorneycroft; P Grayson, M Dawson; M Hynes, P Roworth, C Allen, J Phillips, M Bayfield, S Foale, T Pountney, T Rodber (capt).
Harlequins: W Greenwood; J Keyter, W Carling, J Alexander, G Thompson; P Challinor, R Kitchin; J Leonard, B Moore (capt), N Collins, P Thresher, T Coker, R Jenkins, J Cassell, C Sheasby.
Referee: J J M Pearson (RFU).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments