For all of the free-flowing, high-scoring rugby within the Prem up to now this season, this weekend was one thing of a throwback.
There have been solely 21 tries throughout the 5 video games, whereas a fortnight in the past there have been 18 tries within the Northampton in opposition to Bathtub recreation alone.
However, regardless of the abominable climate altering the entire complexion of spherical 4, there was no scarcity of drama.
Within the East Midlands derby on Saturday, Leicester Tigers produced a second-half efficiency that was as classic Leicester Tigers as you could possibly probably get: a brutal set-piece and ahead show that shook the previous foundations of the Crumbie Stand and would have made the ABC Membership proud.
In entrance of a febrile sell-out crowd, the sport was performed on the sting – a serious scuffle breaking out on the stroke of half-time with England team-mates Henry Pollock and Ollie Chessum within the thick of it.
However tensions may have eased rapidly. 13 of these concerned within the derby met up for dinner within the England camp on Sunday.
“This fixture at all times has some warmth behind it, and we all know it means lots to one another and to the followers,” Leicester and England scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet defined to BBC Radio 5 Dwell.
“We simply attempt to put all our coronary heart on to the pitch. Generally it boils over into just a little scuffle, however we’ll go and have a beer with them now. That is what rugby is about. You play fierce with one another after which take pleasure in one another’s firm.
“We at all times find yourself laughing about it. Being in England camp with them nearly makes the fixture imply a bit extra, since you at all times need one over them.”
Northampton are the champions and nonetheless the group to beat. Nevertheless, that is twice in six months they have been handed a lesson by the Tigers at Mattioli Woods Welford Street.
Saints followers will likely be comforted by the actual fact the title is determined within the heat early summer season months of Might and June, however boss Phil Dowson will nonetheless need his aspect to be as efficient within the moist as they’re within the dry.
