A dominant defensive display saw Leicester Tigers claim East Midlands bragging rights over Northampton Saints, Tigers shutting the defending champions out on their home patch, 33-0. 

Tigers shot out to a 23-0 advantage, and never gave an inch until the final whistle, the result and four tries giving Leicester a crucial bonus point win. 

First Half

Northampton applied early pressure, but it was Tigers who struck first. After soaking up the Saints’ attacking efforts, Leicester made their way upfield, and slick passing from Joseph Woodward and Handré Pollard set Adam Radwan free down the right wing for the opening try. 

It wasn’t long before Leicester extended their advantage. Scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet showcased his brilliance in the 10th minute, spotting a gap at the ruck and darting through from beyond halfway. A well-executed chip over the last Saints defender saw him gather and score under the posts. Pollard made no mistake with the conversion, putting Tigers 12-0 up.

The momentum stayed firmly with the visitors, and a pinpoint kick from Pollard piled further pressure on Northampton. Adam Radwan forced the Saints into touch, and from the resulting lineout, Olly Cracknell crashed over for Tigers’ third try. 

Pollard added a pair of penalty goals to make it 23-0 at the break. 

Second Half

With a commanding lead, Tigers showed no signs of easing up. Henderson returned after passing his HIA, providing further stability to the visitors’ pack. Nine minutes into the second half, Pollard slotted another penalty to extend Leicester’s lead to 26-0.

Saints had more of the ball, but Tigers remained in control, defending their line with the same energy and enthusiasm as the first minute of the game. 

Then in the 75th minute, Tigers sealed the victory with a try from Charlie Clare.