1
Northampton beat Bulls in Champions Cup despite George Furbank injury blow
By PA
Northampton overcame the loss of injured captain George Furbank to post a statement 30-21 Investec Champions Cup win against the Bulls in Pretoria.
ADVERTISEMENT
England international full-back Furbank went off 10 minutes before half-time after suffering an issue with his right arm following a tackle by Bulls skipper Elrigh Louw.
The Gallagher Premiership champions dug deep, though, at Loftus Versfeld, with Furbank’s replacement George Hendy and number eight Juarno Augustus scoring first-half tries en route to a bonus-point triumph.
Augustus’ score came immediately after Saints prop Emmanuel Iyogun had been yellow-carded, which underlined a resilient performance at altitude in temperatures of more than 30 degrees.
Wing Tommy Freeman added two tries after the break, while fly-half Fin Smith kicked two conversions and two penalties. Back-row forwards Cameron Hanekom (two) and Marcell Coetzee touched down for the Bulls, with Johan Goosen converting all three.
Saints’ victory leaves them in charge of Pool Three following a bonus-point success against Castres in their Champions Cup opener.
To be first in line for Rugby World Cup 2027 Australia tickets, register your interest here
Jake White needs to be fired.....had his chance.....time for a coach who wants to win....just stop making excuses and resign Jake.....please
brilliant performance by Saints. Mitchell looked excellent, but Hendy and Pollock weren't far off.
I wonder where Hendy stands in the England pecking order? presumably he's a step behind Feyi-Waboso, Freeman, Sleightholme, Roebuck, Furbank, and Steward, but could be the next cab off the rank in case of injuries? Will be interesting to see if him and Tobias Elliott are able to force their ways into contention before 2027.
Presumably Pollock will be allowed to see out his time with the u20s, but will be straight into the England 23 (possibly even the starting 15) next autumn?