Photo via BBC Sport

Northampton beat Cardiff for first English win in Champions Cup

Northampton Saints secured their first English victory in the Champions Cup with a hard-fought 28-12 win over Cardiff Rugby at Franklin’s Gardens. The Saints dominated the first half with four tries from James Pater, Toby Thame, George Hendy, and Fraser Dingwall, building a 14-0 lead before half-time.

Despite slippery conditions that saw key players like Callum Chick and Tom Manz miss scoring opportunities, Northampton’s defense held firm, with Anthony Belleau’s conversion work proving crucial. Cardiff’s comeback attempt through Harri Millard and Mason Grady narrowed the gap to 14-12, but Northampton’s resilience paid off as they extended their lead in the final minutes, falling just short of a bonus-point win with a fifth try eluding them.

The victory came as a rare bright spot for English clubs in the tournament’s opening round, with other Premiership sides struggling against top-tier competition. Cardiff, making their return to Europe’s elite after two seasons in the Challenge Cup, faced additional challenges with a tight turnaround to a United Rugby Championship fixture against the Sharks, forcing key absences and debuts for Wales internationals Taulupe Faletau and Josh Adams.

Up nextRugby· 22m ago

Northampton break England’s duck in Champions Cup with victory over Cardiff