Imagine the roar of the crowd, the tension in the air... and a 19-year-old Italian sensation tearing up the pitch! Edoardo Todaro's hat-trick wasn't just impressive; it secured Northampton Saints a coveted home tie in the Investec Champions Cup last-16 and crushed Scarlets' hopes. But here's where it gets controversial... did anyone really see this coming?
Northampton Saints emerged victorious with a final score of 43-28 against Scarlets, a result that sends shockwaves through Pool 4 of the Investec Champions Cup. The match, a thrilling display of attacking rugby, saw Northampton (with a score of 43) secure tries from Edoardo Todaro (3), Ollie Sleightholme, Craig Wright, and Callum Chick. Anthony Belleau added to the tally with 5 conversions and a penalty. Scarlets, despite a valiant effort, could only muster 28 points, with tries from Ryan Elias, Archie Hughes, Sam Costelow, and Jac Davies, all converted by Costelow.
The star of the show was undoubtedly Edoardo Todaro. At just 19 years old, the Italian winger displayed remarkable speed, agility, and finishing prowess, bagging a hat-trick in the first half alone. Todaro's performance not only propelled Northampton to victory but also showcased his potential as a future star of the game. He truly announced himself on the European stage!
Scarlets, desperately needing a bonus-point win to advance to the last 16, initially showed promise, taking an early lead with tries from Ryan Elias and Archie Hughes. But here's the part most people miss... Scarlets' early lead papered over some defensive cracks that Northampton ruthlessly exploited.
However, Northampton quickly wrestled control of the match, with Ollie Sleightholme and Craig Wright adding further tries in the second half. Scarlets fly-half Sam Costelow orchestrated a late comeback attempt, scoring a try himself and setting up Jac Davies for another, creating a tense finale. However, Callum Chick's late try sealed the victory for Northampton, solidifying their place in the last 16.
The victory means Northampton finishes second in Pool 4, a significant achievement considering Bristol Bears' defeat by Bordeaux. This guarantees them a home tie in the next round, a massive advantage as they chase European glory.
For Scarlets, the defeat marks the continuation of a disappointing season. Currently at the bottom of the United Rugby Championship, their Champions Cup campaign ends with them finishing last in Pool 4, meaning they won't even get a consolation spot in the Challenge Cup. They will undoubtedly rue their earlier home loss against Pau and a narrow one-point defeat by Bristol, results that ultimately cost them a place in the knockout stages.
The match started at a frantic pace, with Taine Plumtree charging down Alex Mitchell's box-kick, allowing Ryan Elias to score an early try for Scarlets. Despite Todaro's initial response, Scarlets continued to play with confidence, with Ellis Mee setting up Archie Hughes for their second try. But nifty footwork and sheer pace saw Todaro fire back again, diving over in the corner.
Todaro's journey to this point is noteworthy. Despite being schooled in England, he was born in Italy and represented their Under-20 side. His impressive debut season for Northampton, including four tries in his first five Premiership games, earned him a senior Italy debut against Chile. Having experience at centre and full-back, Todaro possesses surprising strength and power for his size. His work rate was evident in his hat-trick try, finishing off a James Ramm offload.
While Todaro saw less action in the second half, he did contribute with a crucial turnover late in the game, leading to a penalty for Anthony Belleau. Northampton will be confident heading into the knockouts, with their only European defeat this season coming against Bordeaux last weekend. Phil Dowson's side will be keen to make amends for their loss in last season's final against Bordeaux.
After the match, Player of the Match Todaro told Premier Sports: "I have enjoyed every minute of this season and every opportunity I get. I am just glad to be here and I have a couple of Italian mates. I don't mind playing on the wing as I like the ball in my hands and I enjoy beating defenders."
Teams:
Northampton: Ramm; Todaro, Freeman, Dingwall (capt), Sleightholme; Belleau, Mitchell; Iyogun, Smith, Davison, Munga, Van der Mescht, Kemeny, Graham, Pollock. Replacements: Wright, Fischetti, Millar-Mills, Lockett, Chick, McParland, Pater, Hendy.
Scarlets: J Davies; Mee, James, Hawkins, Murray; Costelow, Hughes; Mathias, Elias, Thomas, Douglas, Ball, Plumtree, Macleod (capt), Anderson. Replacements: Van der Merwe, Hepburn, O'Connor, Taylor, Davis, G Davies, Page, Lewis.
Match Details:
- Sin-bin: Mathias (35 mins)
- Referee: Kevin Bralley (Fra)
- Assistant referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (Fra), Flavien Hourquet (Fra)
- TMO: Julien Castaignede (Fra)
Controversy & Comment Hooks:
- Was Scarlets' early confidence a sign of genuine strength, or just a fleeting moment before Northampton's dominance?
- Did Northampton underestimate Bordeaux last week, and will that defeat serve as a valuable lesson in the knockouts?
- With Todaro's versatility, where do you think he should play for Northampton in the long term: wing, centre, or full-back?
- Considering Scarlets' struggles, what changes do they need to make to turn their season around?
- Some might argue that Northampton's victory was solely down to individual brilliance rather than a cohesive team effort. Do you agree? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
