KO
Wow! If the Saints can find a performance to match the welcome they’ve just received, we could be in for a treat! Flood kicks off…
SAINTS 0 TIGERS 0
1min
Good solid start from the hosts. Manoa gathers the kick off, Dickinson trucks it up hard and Fotuali’i finds touch. It’s a good first lineout from Youngs as well though and Tigers have the ball.
SAINTS 0 TIGERS 0
2mins
Huge intensity from the Saints in defence and when Mulipola flops onto a ruck lazily, he’s rightly penalised for going off his feet. Myler’s penalty finds halfway.
SAINTS 0 TIGERS 0
4mins
Another midfield penalty, Tigers this time offside and Myler can now take his side into the away 22 for the first time. This time it’s a penalty for Leicester as Bowden times his attack on the breakdown to perfection.
SAINTS 0 TIGERS 0
7mins
Dowson goes in a tad high on Crane and now it’s Tigers edging up to the 22. Their last lineout was a little scrappy and so is this one but Morris picks up well to reignite the move. It’s an unbelievable atmosphere and even more noise as Dickinson smashes Mulipola backwards.
SAINTS 0 TIGERS 0
10mins
Referee Doyle has penalised Wood for an early tackle on Crane, one that looked borderline at worst. First break of silence is for Flood’s kick and the Tigers fly half guides it over.
SAINTS 0 TIGERS 3
11mins
Just as it looks like a bit of space is opening up for Flood on the left, Wood makes a fine scrambling tackle and pressure sees the ball hacked forwards. The Tigers cover has no choice but to run it to touch and it’s a 5m Saints lineout.
SAINTS 0 TIGERS 3
13mins
Oh so close!! Saints run it away from the lineout and after North is dragged down by Tait, the razor sharp Fotuali’i almost catches Leicester cold down the blindside. Excellent chase back from Tait but also super smart from the Samoan.
SAINTS 0 TIGERS 3
14mins
Saints think they’re over from a lost Tigers lineout but there was an early lift and Dowson’s score doesn’t count. The free kick is sent back into Saints’ half by Flood.
SAINTS 0 TIGERS 3
16mins
It’s been a breathless start and there’s almost an overlap for the Saints as a high ball is allowed to bounce by Leicester. The pass goes slightly behind Manoa though and the American can’t cling on. The evening’s first scrum is followed by a horrid kick from Youngs, out on the full.
SAINTS 0 TIGERS 3
17mins
Immaculate start at the lineout for Saints and this quick ball sends Burrell flying through midfield. Pisi continues the momentum as the ball is whipped wide and the penalty is drawn. It’s also sent to the corner again.
SAINTS 0 TIGERS 3
19mins
Saints get a free kick from the resulting lineout and choose to scrum it. It’s a good solid set piece and Burrell has a dart from the back of it before Tigers are awarded another penalty in their own 22.
SAINTS 0 TIGERS 3
20mins
Flood’s penalty doesn’t make it far and North is up highest to brilliantly claim Myler’s cross kick. A penalty follows in midfield and with Fotuali’i tapping and going, Tigers’ only option is to tackle the scrum-half from an offside position. Myler is right on the button and this game is back level.
SAINTS 3 TIGERS 3
23mins
This game is certainly living up to it’s billing and the atmosphere here at the Gardens. The noise is immense and so is the intensity of play.
SAINTS 3 TIGERS 3
25mins
Tigers try. It’s the first time the visitors have got their big runners going and Tuilagi and Mulipola are of course involved. It’s the former who finishes after a twinkle-toed dart from Tait draws in defenders and having given the scoring pass, Flood converts.
SAINTS 3 TIGERS 10
27mins
Another chance for Saints to stretch their legs is well guarded by Tigers and Tuilagi gets running again. He drops though and a sublime kick and gather from Foden forces Goneva to kill the ball cynically. He sees yellow, Myler kicks the points.
SAINTS 6 TIGERS 10
31mins
Frustratingly poor kick from Fotuali’i who has been excellent thus far. Saints were looking to draw defenders in but the Samoan just overcooks his chip and it bobbles through the dead ball area.
SAINTS 6 TIGERS 10
33mins
First scrum penalty of the game goes in Leicester’s favour and allows Flood to kick up to the 22. Tigers get a good maul rolling from Slater’s take as well and Saints are then penalised for not releasing in the tackle. It goes into the corner.
SAINTS 6 TIGERS 10
35mins
Tigers try. Mulipola looks to run over from the tail of the lineout and while he is well stopped, Ben Youngs spots a gap and darts over. Extras added again by Flood, who takes all of his allotted minute to run down some of Goneva’s sin bin.
SAINTS 6 TIGERS 17
38mins
Another super chip and chase from Collins on the counter gets the Gardens to the edge of their seats. Tigers kill another move and Myler can go to the corner,
SAINTS 6 TIGERS 17
39mins
It’s a first lineout miss of the night for the Saints and at just the wrong time. They’ll soon get another go though as Crane fails to release following his tackle on Foden.
SAINTS 6 TIGERS 17
HT
A couple of loose passes allow Tigers to hack upfield and it is they who end the half streaming forward, Foden having to scamper back before North ends the half.
SAINTS 6 TIGERS 17
HT
With both sides having had a pair of attacks each on the opposition 5m line, the difference so far has been the taking of chances, rather than creation. Saints are far from out of this game, but 11 points is a fairly big obstacle to overcome against a side of Tigers’ nous.
SAINTS 6 TIGERS 17
41mins
Last weekend Saints scored seven tries after the break. This evening two would do if they can hold tight at the other end! First score crucial, Myler restarts the game…
SAINTS 6 TIGERS 17
41mins
A pass slips through Collins on the right as Saints look to move the ball early on. Tigers get to work on another strong rolling maul but Saints get the ball and win themselves a scrum.
SAINTS 6 TIGERS 17
43mins
Saints get a penalty at the scrum to level the count and when Foden kicks forwards and into touch, a quick lineout is thrown far from straight. Burrell almost nicks an interception and while that doesn’t materialise, Saints will scrum 10m out.
SAINTS 6 TIGERS 17
46mins
That’s a horrible tackle from Bowden on Collins and the TMO is called into action for the first time this evening. The centre can thank his lucky stars it’s only a yellow as Myler goes for goal. It’s a good ‘un and the gap is cut to eight.
SAINTS 9 TIGERS 17
48mins
Big chance for the Saints to seize the initiative here. Tait first fumbles Crane’s pass inside and then kicks out on the full under huge pressure. It’s cost Tigers some 40m and the ball.
SAINTS 9 TIGERS 17
49mins
Breathless stuff! Leicester quickly poach it back and Tait makes amends with a scything counter break of some 50m. Saints steal it from the full back on the ground but Foden is crunched int touch as they look to go up the blindside.
SAINTS 9 TIGERS 17
51mins
Tuilagi goes in at the side looking to protect the ball and Myler hammers the penalty downfield. Haywood finds Dickinson at the lineout but it’s a wonky throw. Corbisiero comes on for Waller.
SAINTS 9 TIGERS 17
52mins
Counter break aside, Tait’s not having a good time of it at the minute. He lumps another kick out on the full and Saints get a reprieve at the lineout. This time Haywood’s arrow is good and Saint can play.
SAINTS 9 TIGERS 17
54mins
Tigers, still a man down, are rallying. Salvi gets in to pinch the ball back on Tait’s behalf and Flood hoofs it clear. Tigers are well offside at the lineout though and Myler kicks a penalty back into the 22. Pressure has to become points at some stage from the Saints’ perspective.
SAINTS 9 TIGERS 17
55mins
Clark is now on for Dowson with Leicester under pressure to clear their lines. Saints are playing in all the right areas, they just need to find their cutting edge to spark this game back into life.
SAINTS 9 TIGERS 17
56mins
Saints have a penalty advantage and free ball to attack. Foden hares around the outside, Collins goes within five and Tigers kill it. They could be back down to 14 just as Bowden returns to the field.
SAINTS 9 TIGERS 17
57mins
TMO is getting another runout here as Ma’afu and Tom Youngs clash under the posts. Youngs sees yellow for his part in the melee, but Ma’afu sees red.
SAINTS 9 TIGERS 17
58mins
So it’s 14 against 14, for the next 10 at least. Frustrating for Saints as that would have been 12-17 nailed on. Collins has to come off for Mercey with a scrum coming up.
SAINTS 9 TIGERS 17
58mins
Seven-man Tigers scrum is battered by the Saints and Fotuali’i screams down the right with the quick penalty. Goneva just about tackles him, but then takes out Clark as he looks to take a quick lineout. Will it be a second yellow for Goneva?
SAINTS 9 TIGERS 17
58mins
Just a penalty and Goneva gets off pretty lightly. Myler goes to the corner.
SAINTS 9 TIGERS 17
59mins
Leicester giving away an obscene amount of penalties inside their own 22 and another goes to touch. Saints look to work their drive but they’ll have to play away from this one. It’s desperate stuff by Leicester, who this time only concede a scrum.
SAINTS 9 TIGERS 17
61mins
Tigers get off as they win a penalty from the scrum. They had brought Mafi on for Tait to even up the forward numbers.
SAINTS 9 TIGERS 17
63mins
Dickson is coming on for Fotuali’i after a knock on by Foden. Leicester continue to take every opportunity to slow the game down, Deacon receiving treatment but quickly back up for the scrum.
SAINTS 9 TIGERS 17
64mins
Foden is taken out in the air by Bowden - might he be looking at a second yellow card now?! Saints play on, North going up the left and Myler slotting a kick in behind for North to force Morris into touch. Break in play - what will the TMO make of Bowden’s challenge?
SAINTS 9 TIGERS 17
64mins
Nothing is the answer, but Saints have a 5m lineout in any case. Back to the game… SAINTS TRRRRRRYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!! It’s big George North piledriving his way over!! Tigers kill the lineout drive illegally but Saints have a go and their big winger is infield to raise the roof.
SAINTS 14 TIGERS 17
66mins
Conversion is good, the volume goes to 11 again and we have a one-point game on our hands!
SAINTS 16 TIGERS 17
67mins
This game has, impossibly, found another gear! Dickson goes up well for a high ball and there’s a sniff of a counter on the left. Saints recycle and go again.
SAINTS 16 TIGERS 17
68mins
Pain for Myler as he looks to fly hack a loose ball and clatters into multiple Tigers defenders. Have you ever heard the Gardens this loud?!
SAINTS 16 TIGERS
69mins
Day has replaced Manoa for the Saints, Tigers can take their time with a penalty though as Youngs gets a ‘warm’ reception from the Gordon Terrace!
SAINTS 16 TIGERS 17
70mins
Whatever the outcome, it’s been another unreal East Midlands derby here at the Gardens. Saints squeeze the ball on the floor and win themselves a scrum - 13,491 break into song again. Their playing the part of 15th man!
SAINTS 16 TIGERS 17
71mins
Tigers close to going around the outside as Goneva smartly switches play and while the Saints steal one on the floor, Wilson slices his kick out on the full.
SAINTS 16 TIGERS 17
72mins
Day looks to contest at the lineout and is harshly penalised for taking the man in the air. Tigers aren’t complaining though and Williams clips the points through the uprights.
SAINTS 16 TIGERS 20
73mins
Another take out in the air from the restart gifts Leicester a quick penalty and while Williams mis-kicks, it’s still their throw in.
SAINTS 16 TIGERS 20
74mins
Tigers offside retrieving a high ball and an excellent penalty from Myler sweeps play right back into the Tigers 22, where much of this second half has been played.
SAINTS 16 TIGERS 20
75mins
North and Wilson motor forwards and Wood wins his side a penalty advantage in the contact. Saints briefly play on but the clock is off again for Myler to receive treatment for a dangerous tackle from Goneva. The TMO is earning his crust tonight. You’re probably getting bored of us asking, but another yellow for Goneva?!
SAINTS 16 TIGERS 20
76mins
No card, but it is a penalty. Myler goes for broke and kicks to the corner.
SAINTS 16 TIGERS 20
77mins
SAIIINTS TRRYYYYYY!!! Saints ramping up the pressure again and stringing phases together close to the Tigers line. The patience is there this time and Burrell holds his pass brilliantly for Wood, who spins a tackle and crosses!
SAINTS 21 TIGERS 20
79mins
Big conversion for Myler and it’s desperately close! Off the post and Tigers have 40secs to save this game.
SAINTS 21 TIGERS 20
FT
SAINTS ARE INTO THE AVIVA PREMIERSHIP FINAL!!!!!
FT
Words really can't do that second half performance justice. The Saints are off to Twickenham for the second year running!
TIMELINE
10mins TIGS PEN Flood 0-3
23mins SAINTS Pen Myler 3-3
29mins TIGS Yellow Goneva
30mins SAINTS Pen Myler 6-10
36mins TIGS Try B Youngs Con Flood 6-17
HALF-TIME SAINTS 6 TIGERS 17
46mins TIGS Yellow Bowden
47mins SAINTS Pen Myler 9-17
57mins TIGERS Yellow T Youngs
57mins SAINTS Red Ma’afu
65mins SAINTS Try North Con Myler 16-17
73mins TIGS Pen Williams 16-20
79mins Try Wood 21-20
FULL-TIME SAINTS 21 TIGERS 20
SAINTS: Foden; Collins, G Pisi, Burrell, North; Myler, Fotuali’i; A Waller, McMillan, Ma’afu, Manoa, Lawes, Wood, Dowson (capt), Dickinson
Reps: McMillan, Corbisiero, Mercey, Day, Clark, L Dickson, Wilson, Stephenson
TIGERS: Tait; Morris, Tuilagi, Bowden, Goneva; Flood, B Youngs; Ayerza, T Youngs, Mulipola, Deacon, Slater (capt), Gibson, Salvi, Crane
Reps: Briggs, Bristow, Balmain, Kitchenener, Mafi, Mele, Williams, Thompstone
Aviva Man of the Match: Tom Wood
Referee: JP Doyle
Att: 13,491
