Leicester Tigers continued their unbeaten run in the Prem Rugby Cup with a commanding 34-22 victory over their fierce rivals, Northampton Saints, at Mattioli Woods Welford Road. Argentina international Joaquin Moro was the star of the show, scoring two decisive tries that helped the Tigers extend their dominance in Pool B and secure a fourth consecutive win.

Early Sparks: Moro Sets the Tone

The match got off to a thrilling start as Moro crossed the try line just two minutes in, capitalizing on a misjudged high ball by the Saints. His impact did not end there. With the first half winding down, Moro bulldozed his way over for a second try, giving Leicester a 19-15 lead at the break.

Northampton had made their own statement in the first half, with powerhouse JJ van der Mescht—standing 6ft 7in and weighing 23 stone—scoring two tries in quick succession. Despite this, the Saints struggled to establish their usual handling game under the slippery conditions.

Tigers Pull Away in the Second Half

After halftime, Leicester showcased the depth of their squad. Scrum-half Tom Whiteley added to the tally before the break, benefiting from a powerful scrum led by former Saints tight-head Tarek Haffar. The second half saw Will Wand and Ollie Allan cross for tries that effectively sealed the match, leaving Oliver Scola’s late consolation score for Northampton irrelevant.

Billy Searle, who controlled the game from fly-half, contributed significantly with his playmaking and three successful conversions, ensuring Leicester’s points tally kept climbing.

Bright Spot for Northampton: George Furbank Returns

While the Saints faced a tough night, the return of George Furbank after almost a year out was a positive takeaway. The 29-year-old, recently re-signed to England’s elite player squad, played a full 80 minutes and even executed a precise first-half drop goal, demonstrating his skill and composure at stand-off.

However, even Furbank’s performance could not halt Leicester’s momentum. The loss of George Hendy late in the game after a collision with Moro compounded Northampton’s difficulties.

Key Players and Tactical Highlights

• Leicester Tigers: Moro (2), Whiteley, Wand, Allan, Searle (3 cons, pen)
• Northampton Saints: Van der Mescht (2), Scola, Furbank (cons, drop goal), Pater
• Referee: Hamish Smales

Leicester’s cohesive pack, rapid ball movement, and clinical finishing highlighted why they are considered one of the top contenders in the Prem Rugby Cup. Meanwhile, Northampton will look to rebuild and integrate Furbank’s return into their upcoming fixtures.

What This Means for Pool B

With this victory, Leicester Tigers maintain a perfect record in Pool B and look increasingly likely to progress to the knockout stages. Their attacking versatility, led by Moro and supported by Whiteley, Wand, and Allan, makes them a formidable side in England’s domestic cup competitions.

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