Northampton Saints 35-33 Saracens: George Furbank gets into gear for England call

Northampton ……. 35pts

Tries: Ramm 4, Furbank 29, Munya 54, Hutchinson 75, Hendy 79

Conversions: Pater 5, 30, 55, 76, 80

Saracens ………….. 33pts

Tries: Hartley 2, Tompkins 19, Dan 43, Segun 50, Jackson 74

Conversions: Lozowski 3, 20, 51, 71

George Furbank is ready to help England try and get their stuttering Six Nations campaign back on a winning track in Rome if required.

The full-back showed he is fit and raring to go for his country with a sparkling, skilful and inspiring performance for Northampton Saints against Saracens.

Furbank – who is itching to get another Test cap after recovering from his long struggles with injuries – crossed for a fine try and was involved in others as he was full of energy and fizz for over an hour before being replaced.

Saints will head to Exeter Chiefs for their Premiership Cup semi-final next Sunday, but Furbank will be hoping to be spending the weekend wearing the Red Rose in Rome.

Class

And Saints forwards coach James Craig enthused: “George was class out there. He is [of] international quality, and when he gets a decent run of the games together, he is a very special player.

“I’m sure England will be delighted to see him out there doing his thing, and getting that amount of time and playing the way he did.

“He was involved in so many good things we did throughout the time he was on the field. It’s up to England whether he plays, but he’s clearly looking good.”

George Hendy – Furbank’s second-half replacement – was the try-scoring hero while youngster James Pater was the kicking one right at the death.

Saints came back from the dead in four frantic final minutes with first Rory Hutchinson and then Hendy striking as they over-turned a 12-point deficit to win.

Pater was the coolest player on the field as he nailed his winning conversion to make it a perfect kicking day.

And the 19-year-old admitted: “There were only five seconds left when I kicked it. I kept looking at the shot clock and left it a little late, but I had to get it.

“It was an unbelievable way and feeling to end the game. Hendy was unbelievable too…a real game changer.”

Match action

The teams were locked at 14-14 at the break, with centre Olly Hartley crossing for the first try, only for Furbank to feed James Ramm for the Saints response.

Wales centre Nick Tompkins sliced through the Saints defence for his side’s second try, but Ramm sent Furbank through for a try with Pater again adding the extras.

Sarries began strongly in the second half with a maul which saw hooker Theo Dan rise to claim the try.

He was followed by replacement wing Rotimi Segun, racing across the line for another score.

Powerful Saints lock Chunya Munga displayed impressive running skills and decent pace to cross for a try.

But when Lozowski pounced to intercept a pass before off-loading to wing Brandon Jackson to complete the sucker-punch, Sarries looked in charge.

However, Saints came back from the dead in the final few minutes with two tries.

Hutchinson burst clear for the first before Hendy, who showed his speed and stamina to race the length of the field to have the home fans on their feet.

Those supporters began to worry when Pater seemed to be taking too long over his kick, but he just had enough time left on the stop clock to send his kick sailing through the posts for victory.

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