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Rhodri Williams of Dragons against Northampton Saints
Two-time Challenge Cup winners Northampton Saints will aim to beat Dragons for the second time this season when they clash at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday.
- This will be just the second meeting between Northampton Saints and the Dragons after their Round 2 clash this season which Saints won 35-21.
- This will be the first time Northampton have hosted Welsh opposition in the Challenge Cup since 1997.
💬 “Rory’s a nicely balanced player and I’m looking forward to seeing him play.”
Chris Boyd on the return of @RoryJHutchinson and his 10 changes for Dragons pic.twitter.com/epBmwsZ54l
— Northampton Saints 😇 (@SaintsRugby) December 7, 2018
- The Dragons can win three away matches for the first time since 2015 if they are successful on Saturday.
- Northampton are the only side yet to miss a kick at goal this season, slotting all eight attempts to date.
- Saints’ Cobus Reinach has won four turnovers in his two appearances this season, more than any other player.
🗨️ “It’s a special day for both Lloyd and Jack who are both integral parts of the squad… It’s a great milestone to reach 100 games for your region…"
Praise for @CornishBarrel and @jackdixon1312 as duo hit 💯 for @dragonsrugby
▶️ https://t.co/e4RrfxXPC7#BringYourFire 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2vqTjZ2i46
— Dragons 🏉 (@dragonsrugby) December 7, 2018
Taqele Naiyaravoro of Northampton Saints is tackled by Hallam Amos of Dragons as he scores a try during the Challenge Cup match between Northampton Saints and Dragons
Northampton Saints boosted their chances of qualification from Pool 1 of the European Rugby Challenge Cup with this seven-try romp.
Saints were well on their way to victory by half-time when they had already built-up a 19-0 advantage.
Centre Luther Burrell, Fijian second-row forward Api Ratuniyarawa and hooker James Fish all went in for tries with Dan Biggar adding two conversions.
✈️ @TaqeleN ✈️ pic.twitter.com/KJQQoa4HaS
— Northampton Saints 😇 (@SaintsRugby) December 8, 2018
Dragons made a fine start to the second period with centre Adam Warren winning the race to a grubber kick and fly-half Josh Lewis converted to give the visitors hope.
It was to prove a false dawn as Saints quickly responded with Burrell’s second and there was no way back for Dragons after that as Fijian winger Taqele Naiyaravoro helped himself to a brace of touchdowns.
Scrum-half Alex Mitchell and winger Ollie Sleightholme also crossed for tries while Dragons only other response was a touchdown by flanker Nic Cudd converted by Lewis three minutes from time.
📸 ACTION | Second half action at Franklin's Gardens… #NORvDRA pic.twitter.com/y4Fz0xXH5z
— Dragons 🏉 (@dragonsrugby) December 8, 2018
Next Saturday Northampton visit Timisoara Saracens while Dragons travel to France to take on Clermont Auvergne
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