Northampton Saints stormed into the semi-finals of the Champions Cup with a resounding 51-16 win over Castres, setting up a blockbuster rematch with Leinster in Dublin. For the second consecutive year, the Saints find themselves one step away from the final, and while last season they fell agonizingly short, they’ll travel to Ireland believing that a place in Cardiff is still very much within reach.
This was far from a walkover. Castres brought grit and physicality to Franklin’s Gardens, and it wasn’t until the second half that Northampton truly pulled away. The French side fought hard in a scrappy first period, but once George Furbank and rising star Henry Pollock crossed in quick succession early in the second half, the game broke open.
Pollock, once again, was the standout. The 20-year-old flanker continues to announce himself as one of the most exciting talents in European rugby. After two tries against Clermont and another brace for England last month, he repeated the feat here, showcasing power, pace, and an eye for the opportunistic score. His second try was particularly memorable breaking tackles, leaving defenders sprawled behind him, and dotting down with the flair of a seasoned veteran.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing early on. Northampton had to deal with the early loss of George Hendy, who was forced off after dislocating his shoulder just minutes into the match. But his replacement, Furbank, returning from a four-month injury layoff, slotted in seamlessly and was sharp from the start. His clever chip created the opening for Curtis Langdon’s try, and he later forced his way over the line himself in a crucial second-half moment.
Before that, Saints had taken control with a well-worked try finished by Tommy Freeman following a slick interchange and a superb offload. A penalty from Fin Smith pushed the lead out further before Castres responded through Jérémy Fernandez. The French side kept things tight, and a third Fernandez penalty after the break brought the score to 20-16, briefly silencing the home crowd.
But just when it looked like Castres might claw their way back, Northampton found another gear. Furbank’s score settled nerves, and Pollock’s 20-metre burst moments later swung momentum completely. The visitors didn’t help themselves with discipline either three sin-binnings disrupted their rhythm, and they lost both Rémy Baget and Lois Guérois-Galisson following a scuffle that also saw Temo Mayanavanua sent to the bin.
With the space opening up, Saints ran riot. Pollock’s second try was a highlight, brushing off defenders and finishing with a flourish. Northampton’s ball-carrying grew more confident, and the final scoreline reflected their dominance in the closing stages.
Now all eyes turn to the showdown in Dublin. It will be a significant test for Pollock, who will go head-to-head with some of the finest back-rowers in world rugby, including Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris. With the British & Irish Lions squad announcement just weeks away, it’s a final chance for him to stake his claim on the grandest stage.
Leinster may be the favourites, but Northampton will take belief from their performance and with Pollock in this kind of form, anything feels possible.
