It is tempting to say that the Northampton performance was produced by simple
application of the ‘backs to the wall’, ‘something to prove’ attitude. This
did have some part to play but Northampton were determined when the sides
met at Franklins Gardens and they knew a very difficult game was ahead. The
real explanation is not as straight-forward because it involves a number of
things, psychological and tactical.

The fact is that the margins at this level are fine and seemingly slight
matters can and do make a significant difference when they are aggregated.

If Northampton did find an extra edge from previous humiliation, that, added
to even a slither of complacency, could easily account for the difference
with which the sides went into the opening exchanges. As ineffectual as
Northampton were last week, they were resolute last Saturday and won the
battle of the gain line. However, that alone would not have lasted against a
side of Leinster’s quality and two selections counted hugely towards the
Saints’ win.

Whatever mindset you take to a game is quickly undone if you fail to secure
possession. The seven line-outs won by Chris Day were of crucial importance
to take pressure off Courtney Lawes, who had been targeted successfully at
the Gardens. This not only gave the Saints better quality ball it took
pressure off Lawes who was thereby not distracted by trying to work out what
was going wrong and how to put it right. Unencumbered, Lawes was free to
display his belligerent best.

Samu Manoa’s move from second to back row not only accommodated Day, it
matched the power of the Leinster back row who had caused physical havoc at
Northampton, but who were second best in Dublin to the extent that they
limited Jamie Heaslip to an average of less than three yards per carry.

In similar fashion, the selection of George North at centre gave Brian
O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy something different to consider. It is all well
and good talking about how to approach an unorthodox selection but without
playing against a player or combination you simply do not know what you have
to do to be affective against it; within five minutes North had steamed over
the line. Getting the first try and taking the lead was an important
statement for Northampton because it gave them something tangible for their
efforts. What was apparent from a tumultuous final 10 minutes was that the
determination of Northampton. Their defensive effort in the face of
successive attacks from Leinster was exemplary. As defence is, essentially,
an attitude of mind, it showed Northampton had got theirs right.

This game showed European rugby at its best and why some form of tournament is
needed that involves the top teams of all Unions. Given recent reports it
seems that there is agreement that next year’s Heineken Cup will be run by
the Six Nations committee and not ERC. It seems the French are sticking to
their plan for a series of competitions run on a Uefa-style basis and as a
result it might be their clubs who do not play next year. Who’d have thought
it? I wonder whether the Celts will give the French, hitherto thought as
allies and therefore moral and acting in the best interests of rugby, the
same amount of flak given the English if this happens.