Collins double keeps Saints in the running

TOM Collins’ deadly first-half double kept Northampton’s play-off challenge alive as they destroyed Newcastle with a 10-try blitz. 

- ROSS HEPPENSTALL

The 28-year-old winger is leaving Franklin’s Gardens at the end of the campaign but helped Saints march to a thumping bonus-point win in their final regular-season game.

Whether or not they will end the campaign in the top four to qualify for the play-offs remains to be seen.

Northampton finished on 58 points but must hope that London Irish do not win their final two matches to leapfrog them into fourth spot.

Significantly, if the Exiles lose at Saracens today, then Saints will be secure in the top four.

Head coach Phil Dowson said: “This weekend will be the first time in a long time I’ve supported Sarries. But it’s out of our hands – London Irish can take our spot in fourth – so we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Newcastle’s long-serving full-back Alex Tait is retiring at the end of the season and came off the bench to make his 270th Falcons appearance and final outing on home soil.