Saints take advantage of Exiles ill discipline

AFTER an indifferent performance in the first half, Northampton took the game by the scruff of the neck to keep up their hopes of a Premiership playoff spot.

- ROGER PANTING

The bonus point win brings them within one point of fourth placed Sale, but they will have to play a whole lot better if they are to secure their goal.

For most of a poor game, with skill at a premium, they lacked the spark to break down a stubborn Irish defence and were fortunate to secure a bonus point with the last move of the match.

Irish had been firmly in contention at 3-3 but they crumbled badly in the second half and ultimately could take little from the 80 minutes.

Their director of rugby, Declan Kidney said: “We are better than we are showing ourselves to be on the scoreboard but it’s our responsibility to get things right and improve on it.