LaRochelle v Northampton Sat 5.30

[fivepointer]

Northampton Saints: Furbank; Ramm, Proctor, Dingwall, Freeman; Smith, James; Waller, Smith, Hill, Salakaia-Loto, Ribbans, Coles, Hinkley, Ludlam (c).

Replacements: Matavesi, Iyogun, Painter, Lawes, Scott-Young, Augustus, Mitchell, Hutchinson.

La Rochelle: Dulin: Leyds, Seuteni, Danty, Boudehent; Hastoy, Kerr-Barlow; Wardi, Bourgarit, Atonio, Lavault, Skelton, Bourdeau, Tanga, Alldritt.

Replacements: Lespiaucq, Aouf, Sclavi, Sazy, Boudehent, Berjon, Botia, Alonso

[Timbo]

This will be a long 80 mins for Saints.

[Banquo]

This will be a long 80 mins for Saints.

think they know it judging by selection

[FKAS]

Tom James oh dear, he'll have nightmares over that one.

[FKAS]

Turning into a thoroughly miserable evening for Saints. Mitchell charge down (see box kicks are fun when there's no train) and then crossfield kick makes it two more tries in the ten minutes after half time. 46-0, Lawes, Mitchell and Hutchinson are all on.

[fivepointer]

Saints are their own worst enemies. LaRochelle didnt have to work that hard for their points, feeding off dull errors, poor discipline and lightweight defence.
Thought Lawes made a difference and they at least finished with their scrum well on top and getting a couple of tries.

[Timbo]

Surely about time Saints looked at bringing in a new defence coach. They have too much individual quality to excuse such softness. Can’t really say they’re overly small, lacking athleticism or power. Got to be organisation and/or attitude.

[Banquo]

Surely about time Saints looked at bringing in a new defence coach. They have too much individual quality to excuse such softness. Can’t really say they’re overly small, lacking athleticism or power. Got to be organisation and/or attitude.

There's some sort of concentration malaise that's been there for a while, even under Boyd, and it affects them both in defence and attack. I've seen them a lot over the last couple of seasons and can't quite work it out. Think its more that than organisation- they are a tight committed bunch of lads, but there's something strange about collectively switching off at big moments- but maybe a refresh of defence would reboot the mindset; there's a lot of talent in the team.

[Mellsblue]

Surely about time Saints looked at bringing in a new defence coach. They have too much individual quality to excuse such softness. Can’t really say they’re overly small, lacking athleticism or power. Got to be organisation and/or attitude.

There's some sort of concentration malaise that's been there for a while, even under Boyd, and it affects them both in defence and attack. I've seen them a lot over the last couple of seasons and can't quite work it out. Think its more that than organisation- they are a tight committed bunch of lads, but there's something strange about collectively switching off at big moments- but maybe a refresh of defence would reboot the mindset; there's a lot of talent in the team.

Was there too much emphasis on attack over defence under Boyd, do you think? It always seemed that way to me looking in from the outside, and you know I believe in a ‘let the oppo worry about us rather than us worry about them’ philosophy, but always assumed the balance would alter under Dowson. Too early to tell on the second point, I suppose.

[Banquo]

Surely about time Saints looked at bringing in a new defence coach. They have too much individual quality to excuse such softness. Can’t really say they’re overly small, lacking athleticism or power. Got to be organisation and/or attitude.

There's some sort of concentration malaise that's been there for a while, even under Boyd, and it affects them both in defence and attack. I've seen them a lot over the last couple of seasons and can't quite work it out. Think its more that than organisation- they are a tight committed bunch of lads, but there's something strange about collectively switching off at big moments- but maybe a refresh of defence would reboot the mindset; there's a lot of talent in the team.

Was there too much emphasis on attack over defence under Boyd, do you think? It always seemed that way to me looking in from the outside, and you know I believe in a ‘let the oppo worry about us rather than us worry about them’ philosophy, but always assumed the balance would alter under Dowson. Too early to tell on the second point, I suppose.

Not sure tbh, one of the reasons Hutchinson appears mainly at 12 is concern over his defence at 13, so its certainly something they think a lot about. This year if anything they are falling off more tackles- as I say, I think its more about concentration/intensity then anything systematic. But I can't figure out what that's about, as they genuinely seem a very focused group of lads. They might just be too 'nice' if anything.

[Epaminondas Pules]

I know they got pumped but a note of praise to Fin Smith who did show some lovely touches with ball in hand.

[p/d]

I know they got pumped but a note of praise to Fin Smith who did show some lovely touches with ball in hand.

Aye. Pity he has missed out to Alex Goode for the 5th spot on the Guardian's Lifestyle & Soft Furnishings journalist's 75 man 'squad'.