- Northampton 35-34 Bath
- Fly-half shows promise for Borthwick before Six Nations
The referee’s whistle blew and Northampton’s director of rugby, Phil Dowson, flashed up on the big screen, allowing himself a smile. With the clock in the red and Northampton trailing by two points, they had just been awarded a penalty, within range, and such is Dowson’s faith in Fin Smith, he knew his outstanding fly-half would not miss this one.
Perhaps it is time for Steve Borthwick to show a little more faith in Smith because here was another demonstration of the 22-year-old’s talents. He had missed a couple of kicks, needed the help of a post for another but there was little doubt he would secure the victory Northampton so desperately sought, inflicting a first league defeat in seven matches on Bath in the process.
Written by Gerard Meagher at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jan/05/northampton-bath-premiership-rugby-union-match-report under the title “Fin Smith shows England class to sink Bath at the last and save Saints’ season”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
