Northampton 29-10 Worcester: Dan Biggar puts the wind in Saints’ sails

DAN BIGGAR played with an intensity last night that almost matched Storm Bella which swirled around Franklin’s Gardens.

Biggar, who was also sin binned for stopping a Worcester attack in the second half, scored a crucial try when he came back to help end Northampton‘s dismal run of 13 defeats on the bounce.

This first home Premiership win in 2020 was greeted with relief by Northampton boss Chris Boyd who had described such an outcome beforehand as “crucial to our well-being”.

Besides his try, Biggar had a big part in two firsthalf tries which set Northampton on course for a bonus point win. Worcester, who are now bottom of the Premiership, butchered several chances and had only a first-half score from Billy Searle to show for their attacking zeal.

A speedy start by Northampton put them in charge over a Worcester team showing one late change due to illness striking Matt Kvesic. A rejigged back row pushed Marco Mama to openside with Cornell du Preez at No.8. Kvesic’s experience was missed as Worcester struggled at the breakdown, starting in the second minute which gave Biggar a penalty.

The fly-half led the way and his call to bring in wing Matt Proctor from the right side gained a penalty try in the 13th minute.

An attack off a lineout gave Biggar the chance to throw out a quick pass to Proctor which stretched the Worcester midfield forcing full-back Melani Nanai to deliberately knock on.

Referee Christophe Ridley showed Nanai the yellow card and he called up the TMO to make sure a penalty try was justified. Worcester were far better out wide than up front where they struggled at the breakdown. They responded to the 10-0 deficit by playing some neat rugby which should have brought more than Searle’s 27thminute try.

Like Biggar, Searle was a dominant player and he converted his own try to cut Saints’ lead to 10-7 though home players appealed that the try-scoring pass from Nick David looked forward. Northampton imposed themselves immediately and Biggar again led the way by surging clear on the left before linking to scrumhalf Alex Mitchell who had a clear run to the line. The second half started in rain as Storm Bella started to blow in. Worcester took up the charge and a break by lock Justin Clegg ended up being stopped under the posts.

It came at a cost to Northampton as Biggar was sent to the sin bin for going offside at the ruck. Searle kicked an easy penalty to reward Worcester but from then Saints dominated. They slowly made their heavier forwards count and some continuous pressure ended in Biggar, back on, scoring a try near the posts. He converted for a 24-10 lead over a Worcester team who made five changes in one hit.

Northampton collected the bonus point in the 79th minute through substitute hooker Mikey Hayward. Worcester were left kicking themselves for missed chances including a giltedged one in the 60th minute.

This time it was a poorly judged pass from Ollie Lawrence to David on the wing which wasted the good play. A score then might have forced a closer finish.

By ROB WILDMAN