Another controversial knockout blow suffered by the unfortunate George North overshadowed Northampton’s high-scoring victory over a valiant 14-man Wasps. The Wales wing scored two first-half tries but was knocked cold by the leg of Nathan Hughes, whose subsequent sending-off tilted the odds heavily in favour of the runaway Premiership leaders.
North, who spent three weeks sidelined with concussion last month after suffering two substantial blows to the head playing for Wales against England, once again departed on a stretcher having been caught by the covering Hughes as he touched down his second try five minutes before the interval.
It did not appear a deliberate act by the No8 but the 24-year-old referee, Craig Maxwell-Keys, ruled it was worthy of a red card after consulting the TV match official. The decision infuriated the Wasps’ director of rugby, Dai Young. “I hope George is OK but to me it wasn’t a red,” insisted Young. “Things always look worse in slow motion. We’re disappointed, we definitely think it wasn’t a red card.”
The implications for the 22-year-old North will depend on specialist advice, given the succession of head knocks he has now suffered in a short space of time. Jim Mallinder, Northampton’s director of rugby, still believes the winger will be available for next week’s European Cup quarter-final against Clermont Auvergne, reporting North was well enough to join in a post-match sing-song in the dressing room. “He’s up and about,” said Mallinder. “Hopefully he’ll be OK for next weekend.”
Northampton, who also lost George Pisi early on, are now 14 points clear at the top of the domestic table after this seven-try performance.
Wasps have failed to win a league game on this ground for almost a decade and, despite a wonderfully sharp hat-trick of tries from Christian Wade, were ultimately outgunned by a home pack containing England squad members Courtney Lawes, Tom Wood, Dylan Hartley, Calum Clark and Alex Corbisiero.
Wasps also lacked the energy of James Haskell, given the chance to “recharge his batteries” following the Six Nations, and the guile of Andy Goode, who tweaked an ankle in training during the week. Northampton, looking to avenge their side’s defeat in the reverse fixture in September, were missing Luther Burrell but there was no shortage of attacking intent from both sides.
The quicksilver Wade scored two tries inside the first quarter alone, the first a long-range effort from a turnover and the second courtesy of a lovely half-break from Alex Lozowski. The young fly-half’s touchline conversion was equally assured but the North incident left an indelible mark on the contest.
The officials felt Hughes had attempted to kick the ball out of North’s hands and struck him on the head instead. It seemed a harsh interpretation but, either way, it left Wasps needing a minor miracle.
Within a minute of the restart the Saints immediately made their man advantage count with a penalty try after the collapse of a rumbling maul and Corbisiero then bullocked his way through the visitors’ fragmented defence a minute before the interval to secure a bonus point.
Wasps, to their credit, remained competitive and Wade’s beautifully taken third try, converted by Lozowski, made the score 33-30 with 13 minutes left. It took a flurry of three late tries from Ken Pisi and replacement Ahsee Tuala, who scored twice, to restore order and put the Saints within touching distance of a home play-off semi-final. Wasps, with or without Hughes, will have to regroup swiftly prior to next week’s daunting European trip to Toulon.
Northampton Wilson; K Pisi, G Pisi (Waldouck, 6), Stephenson, North (Tuala, 35); Myler, Dickson (Fotuali’i, 72) ; Corbisiero (Waller, 56), Hartley (capt; Haywood, 68), Ma’afu (Denman, 56), Lawes (Fisher, 61), Day (Dickinson, 40), Wood, Clark, Manoa.
Tries North 2, penalty try, Corbisiero, K Pisi, Tuala 2. Cons Myler 4. Pens Myler 3.
Wasps Miller; Wade, Daly, Downey, Tagicakibau (Helu, 49); Lozowski (G Hughes, 72), Simpson (Weepu, 63); Mullan (capt; McIntyre, 64), Shervington (Jackson, 49), Cittadini (Swainston, 59), Cannon (Gaskell, 49), Myall, Johnson, Young (Thompson, 59), N Hughes.
Tries Wade 3. Cons Lozowski 3. Pens Lozowski 3.
Red card: Hughes 35.
Referee C Maxwell-Keys.
