Northampton Saints climbed to the top of the Premiership table with a thrilling 32-26 victory over rivals Leicester Tigers at Franklin’s Gardens. The win, sealed by a superb brace from Frenchman Anthony Belleau and a try from Italian teenager Edoardo Todaro, showcased the Saints’ growing European flair and depth in attacking options.
The opening stages were fiercely contested, with Leicester drawing first blood through an early penalty from Billy Searle. Northampton responded swiftly when Alex Mitchell’s clever chip bounced perfectly for Fin Smith to gather and touch down under the posts. The visitors hit back, Freddie Steward capping a slick move to restore Leicester’s lead.
The match’s tempo rose as halftime approached. Todaro finished clinically on the right after sharp interplay from Tom Litchfield and Tommy Freeman, before Searle’s second penalty nudged Leicester back in front. Saints ended the half strongly when Todaro’s break down the left released Tom Pearson for their third try, securing a 17-13 advantage at the interval.
The second half brought more drama and reshuffling due to injuries. Freeman, making his 100th appearance for Northampton, was forced off, paving the way for Belleau’s introduction. Despite being deployed out of position at full-back, the French international made an immediate impact.
Leicester briefly regained the lead when Harry Wells powered over from close range, but Belleau soon responded. After a stolen lineout deep in their territory, Saints countered with precision, and Belleau finished off the move in the corner. Leicester’s persistence saw Searle land another penalty to edge them ahead once more, yet the momentum had clearly shifted.
Belleau’s second try was a moment of brilliance — a deft chip over the advancing defence, a perfect bounce, and a calm finish under the posts to restore Northampton’s lead. Smith’s late penalty ensured a crucial cushion, though James O’Connor’s debut penalty for Leicester salvaged a losing bonus point.
By full-time, Franklin’s Gardens was in full voice as Saints celebrated another bonus-point win — their third in succession. With Belleau and Todaro adding continental flair and finishing prowess, Northampton’s evolving mix of power, precision, and European influence looks set to make them a formidable force this season.
