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Northampton ended their four-match losing streak with a bonus-point 27-22 win against Wasps at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
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Wasps flew into an early lead through a controversial Jacob Umaga try and the away side were 10-0 up before Saints awoke from their slumber as Alex Mitchell replied.
James Grayson added another try and a couple of points with the boot before the break to put Northampton in front.
Saints built on their lead in the second period, with further scores from Alex Waller – on the day he broke a Premiership appearance record – and Courtnall Skosan.
Wasps refused to go away, adding a couple more scores of their own, but Saints were able to see out a crucial victory.
Saints were behind inside five minutes as Umaga picked up after nice work from Tim Cardall before skipping past Mitchell and appearing to dot down.
However, replays showed that Umaga did not ground the ball and Saints were left feeling aggrieved.
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"There's clear separation, it should never have been a try. It's not good enough."
Some poker face on Jacob Umaga ? pic.twitter.com/hT8I33zeix
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 13, 2022
Jimmy Gopperth added the extras and then extended the lead with a penalty as Saints struggled to get any sort of foothold in the game in the early exchanges.
That was until Mitchell opened the door for some powerful carries from Juarno Augustus and David Ribbans, and when the ball came loose, Mitchell was quickest to react to ground it.
Grayson missed the conversion but then went over himself after the ball was worked wide following a penalty to send Saints in 12-10 ahead at the break.
Northampton kept the momentum after the interval, with Waller powering over for a score.
It was a fine way to mark his record-breaking 231st league game as he became the prop with the most appearances in Premiership history.
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Grayson converted and Northampton were flying forward, playing some slick rugby that looked to have earned them their bonus-point try.
Mitchell went over only for the effort to be ruled out as Waller was penalised for a push on Dan Robson off the ball in the build-up.
Wasps were keen to make the most of their reprieve, and they did just that with 16 minutes to go.
Will Porter broke the line, jinked his way past a couple of defenders and found Paolo Odogwu, who scored in the corner.
Once again, the hosts thought they had scored when George Furbank dotted down, but Sam Matavesi was penalised for obstruction in the build-up and another try was chalked off.
Northampton finally got their bonus-point try when Fraser Dingwall picked up a loose ball and sent Skosan away for a score that looked to have secured victory for the Saints.
Dave Ribbans lost his grandfather in the week…
His dad was on hand at Franklin's Gardens to offer him a hug after the game ??
He did the family proud today ? pic.twitter.com/yQWSXucsRT
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 13, 2022
But Wasps refused to go quietly, scoring through the lively Porter to leave the gap at just five points with as many minutes to go.
Grayson had the chance to put the game to bed with two late penalties but missed both as Saints were made to sweat before clinging on for the win.
