The Northampton Saints' season statistics make for strong reading; they finished on 76 points at the top of the Premiership tree after 22 rounds of action, scored 75 tries and lost just 5 matches. Yet it is fair to say that they are a side they haven’t been spoken about as much as you'd expect or given the level of praise that they deserve for doing so. One can only assume that this is due to the fact that their ‘sticky patch’ came at the most noticeable time of the season and those were the memories lingering in minds as opposed to the blistering rugby. Let us not forget about the fact that the Northampton Saints didn't really open their books heading into the 2014/15 season instead Jim Mallinder's message to his squad was 'Ok lads, let's see if we can do this again shall we!?'
Saints’ start to the season was empathic, they blew Gloucester off the park and delivered a significant signal to every signal Aviva Premiership side. The manner in which Saints win games isn’t a secret, they combine brute power with dynamic backs that are eager to get their hands on the ball and play a spot of rugby. At the heart of the side are extremely hard working individuals and none more so than Christian Day and Calum Clark. Both men's work is not always as flashy as the feet of the Pisi brothers or as head turning as Courtney Lawes' trademarks hits but it does drive the side. This season we have seen many other players emerge through and shine too; Alex Waller and Mike Haywood’s shifts in the front row have given Jim Mallinder selection headaches and provided stability when key men have been away on International duty or injured, Ahsee Tuala’s endeavour has earned himself a full time contract next season and although he is not one of the youngsters, the application of the departing Phil Dowson must be applauded wholeheartedly.
The Saints made history by finishing at the top of the pile after twenty two rounds, they had the luxury of resting their key men prior to the Aviva Premiership Semi Final and yet they fell just short. It has to be said that they fell short due to the steely character of Saracens and their opponents ability to disrupt and stifle. Luck really wasn't on Saints' side with the terribly timed mid games injuries to Ahsee Tuala, Alex Corbisiero and James Wilson, the loss really wasn't down to any major inadequacies, simply fine margins.
Once the pain has subsided I hope that the season will be deemed a positive one for whilst there were tough lessons along the way Saints' output has been as solid as ever and deserves praise. The doors of Franklin’s Gardens have been opened, Jim Mallinder has secured the services of his key men; Hartley, Lawes, the Waller brothers and more as well as making some canny signings in JJ Harahan from Munster and Kieran Brookes from Newcastle. The void that Samu Manoa will leave will be a great one however I’ve no doubt Saints will be back for the start of the season with the bit between their teeth once again.
Key Men - Christian Day, Samu Manoa & Ken Pisi
Most Impressive Result - The Round 20 Stadium mK victory over Saracens 25 -20 after a tough few weeks prior
Strongest Signings for 15/16 Season - Securing the contracts of Hartley & Lawes... equally keen to see how Kieran Brookes will progress
Strongest Signings for 15/16 Season - Securing the contracts of Hartley & Lawes... equally keen to see how Kieran Brookes will progress
Overall Assessment - The Semi-Final defeat will hurt for a long time, but they'll be back with a bang after the Summer break.
