Cockerill’s opposite number, Jim Mallinder has admitted he is finding it hard to put the incident and the fallout from it behind him as he prepares to face the Tigers again this weekend. In particular Mallinder has been critical of Cockerill’s outburst, which is seemingly the polar opposite of Mallinder’s reaction to another controversial incident in last year’s Premiership final when Manu Tuilagi was banned for five weeks for punching Chris Ashton. Mallinder’s reaction was far more controlled than Cockerill’s.
Aside from the Clark incident, Cockerill was also involved in a confrontation with Saints’ forwards coach, Dorian West after the game. The West Midlands derby clashes between the two sides have become ever more fiery in recent years and this weekend’s promises to be equally so with both sides in contention for play off places in the final weeks of the season.

With Saints, Mallinder and Clark all adamant that there was no intent to injury in the elbow breaking incident there is bound to be some friction when the two sides meet again this weekend. In spite of the insistence from Clark at the hearing into his misconduct the panel still found him guilty and handed a hefty ban which will see Clark banned from Rugby until November 2.

Clark will be missed in the Saints run in and Mallinder whilst disappointed is hoping his side can respond in the remainder of the season and secure a play off place starting with a result against the Tigers this weekend. He is keen that this tie will be played at the same intensity as recent clashes without the controversy that has marred the side’s recent games.

Northampton Rugby Video clip Score: five / 5

The 17 year old Stephenson was with the Wanderers last season and he was a mainstay of the club’s reserve side. He is being considered as a future captain of the Scotland rugby team and is currently captaining the country’s Under – 18 side and has shown immense maturity and strength that will fool anyone about his age.

According to Mallinder, the boss of the Northampton Saints, Tom Stephenson has been a standout performer for his Wanderers side as well as the England national team in the Under – 18 division and it was his outstanding performances that make him one of the best performances and a signing for the future for The Saints. Mallinder also added that in his very short stint with the senior academy of the club, he has impressed the coaches immensely who are already pinning their hopes on the youngster as a potential superstar to lead the club to the top in a few years’ time.

The Northampton Saints are considered as a club with immense potential and it is only a matter of time that they translate that potential to trophies and it with Stephenson on board, the future looks all the more bright for the side.

Northampton Rugby Video Rating: three / five

Northampton Rugby Video Rating: 5 / five

The Saints were failing to exert superiority in the pack and were being run ragged by Irish’s backs. The flawless performance from the Exiles meant that late in the second half, at 18-8 down things were looking bleak for the Saints. A mistake from the Irish scrum half, Ross Samson though allowed them to see a glimmer of hope. A mistimed kick when Samson thought time was up allowed Northampton to gain possession and eventually gain a kickable penalty which Stephen Myler slotted home to keep any slight chances of a turnaround alive.

Saints came out for the second half with a degree of belief and began to keep hold of the ball. Possession proved to be important and the turnaround began. At seven points down the next score was important and a missed dropped goal from Irish allowed Saints to close the gap further and along with a clever flat pass from Myler to set up a third try of the day for Saints and give them a 23-18 lead.

Irish drew level through a try in the corner and when the conversion was missed the 23-23 scoreline ensured a tense finish. Saints secured a well earned victory with a charge down on a kick in the Irish 22 allowing Ben Nutley to latch onto the loose ball and secure victory with his first try for Northampton.

Whatever was said at half time clearly made an impact and Stephen Myler confirmed as much after the game. He accepted that things had not gone as they had expected in the first half and a change of approach in the second allowed Saints to run out with victory and a try scoring bonus point.

Northampton Rugby Video clip Score: 5 / five

He does not deny the fact that he had ample opportunities to show his skill and talent on the field and Northampton has been a complete package which he has enjoyed to the fullest. Samu Manoa was also excited with the facilities that they have got down here. The entire community was more family oriented and this was what brought in the feeling of comfort.

The story of Samu Manoa and his association with Northampton was quite exciting and interesting to read and people wanted to know more about his experiences and decision to move to this club. He has admitted that his lifestyle suited much like that the people were living here and hence this is what made him blend him easily. Northampton Saints was also one of the first which allowed him to see the scenery and fly out and experience the outside world as well. The entire interview will be available in the next match to be scheduled at the MK Stadium.

In the reverse fixture, at Northampton’s Flanklin’s Gardens Scarlets were gifted four tries and a bonus point. This time though, Saints were far tighter in defence with coach Jim Mallinder praising their “tremendous defensive effort”. The poor defensive display in the home fixture acted as a motivation according to Malinder, saying they discussed the performance in the week leading up to the game and were determined to not allow for a repeat of that disappointing display.

Saints did however start the game by gifting the Scarlets further opportunities to make early inroads. Tom May was sin binned for a moment of stupidity, throwing the ball into Gareth Davies face. Referee, Alain Rolland happily took the opportunity to send May to the sin bin for 10 minutes. Rolland himself was on his first visit to Wales since his decision to send the Welsh captain Sam Warburton off in the World Cup Semi Final and received the expected reception from the passionate South Wales crowd. He was roundly booed and remains a majorly unpopular figure in Wales.

Rolland made several strange decisions throughout the first half and as a result Northampton trailed 14-6 at the break. A strong second half though, saw the Saints completely turn the game around. A try from Tonga’uiha and three kicks from Myler gave Saints a lead before the barrage began. Brave defence and the last minute try from Rhodri Williams secured the result and put Saints in position to challenge for second place in the pool and a spot in the Challenge Cup quarter finals.

This victory makes the team jump from the sixth position to the third position in the Premiership while leaving Newcastle firmly stuck at the bottom of the table. They now have to win the match against Exeter at all costs in order to remain in the competition.

It was Ryan Lamb who kicked two beautiful conversions and two penalties in order to ensure the Northampton victory. Stepehen Myler who came in on as a substitute also converted for Northampton and hence it was a great day at work for Myler.

On the other hand it was Jimmy Gopperth for the Newcastle who kicked three good penalties in order to give a fight to Northampton. Suka Hufanga also scored a good first half try but all their efforts were not enough to keep the Northampton Saints in check as they inflicted a crushing defeat upon the Newcastle side, though it was to be expected (and predicted by the bulk of the Rugby betting tips websites.)

Northampton scored ten quick points in the very first ten minutes of the game and Newcastle was caught on the back foot. Northampton scored their first try with great ease and comfort which was so easy that it was almost embarrassing for Newcastle, who have now gained a reputation for being slow starters to the game.

Newcastle did manage to fight their way back into the game. However with their inability to win the line out ball, the team was spending more and more time on the back foot which gave Northampton a good advantage.

This win has proved to be very important for Northampton and it ensures that they remain in contention for the top spot of the Aviva Premiership ahead of the international break. A number of Northampton’s players will be taking part in the Six Nations, though the latest Betfair Six Nations Betting Odds suggest that it will be the English contingent who will be happiest come March.