Saints v Bath - How good was that?

By The Barfly
September 8 2004

How good was that? There were so many pleasing things about Saturday. that will emerge once the beetroot colouration my face had taken by 5:30 subsides.

The specifics of the tactical changes instigated by
Alan Solomons will be explored at great length
throughout the season, especially with regard to the
defence which, on Saturday, surpassed most other
performances in the 10+ years I have been watching the
Saints.

What was impressive before has become phenomenal,
although nothing is won on the first day of the
season. Nevertheless, there was an aspect of our play
which, if continued until May, could be the difference
between us winning something or not.

Over previous years there have been a number of us,
myself included, who decried the professional play of
Wasps and Tigers as they marched onward to the prizes
on offer at the end of the season. “At least” we said,
“we might not win anything, but at least we play the
game in the way it’s supposed to be played”, as a way
to hide our disappointment.

On Saturday, however, one moment epitomised what could
be the most significant change brought in by the new
management.

Just before Rhino sped away for his try, we conceded a
penalty under our posts. Bath were on the attack, and
had they continued the play, could well have scored.
Instead, our forwards killed the ball. Cynically;
professionally; they gave away the three points rather
than concede the try, reasonably secure in the
knowledge that the first such offence doesn’t
generally result in a penalty try. In previous years
we would have been more likely to stand off for a
couple of phases, and try to defend our line
legitimately.

Not this time. The ball was emerging on the Bath side
and we flopped on it straight away, killing the move
and taking the sting out of their momentum. Something
that has been done by all the top sides at many points
during their successes.

The second thing was the atmosphere, which after the
lethargy of the pre-season was fantastic. If we can
maintain this during the course of the season, which
looks likely given the number of matches that have
sold out already, then we will stand in good stead.
I have one quibble, though. If you know people who
have their first season ticket this year, please make
sure that they put their seat/standing details in the
sleeve in the front of the book. Cheers!

P.S. If Krige hasn’t won the Northampton public over
already, then can someone please provide him with
water to walk on, because it might be the only thing
left for him to do.