Northampton Saints Confident in Title Clinch Bid After Edging Past Saracens in Gallagher Premiership Semi-Final

Northampton Saints have set their sights on clinching the Gallagher Premiership title after securing their place in the Twickenham final against Bath. The Saints overcame defending champions Saracens in a hard-fought semi-final matchup, showcasing their resolute defense and set-piece prowess to compensate for a subdued attacking display.

Last season’s crushing defeat to Saracens at the same stage has fueled the Saints’ determination, as they have since grown from the adversity faced against heavyweight European opponents Munster and Leinster. England center Fraser Dingwall believes the crucial difference this year is the unwavering belief within the squad.

“Last year we had the exact same tools but I just don’t think we had the belief,” Dingwall explained. “This year we have faced so many challenges and so many big occasions that we have got belief in this group about what we are capable of, if we trust it.”

The Saints have emerged as the standout team of the 2023-24 Premiership season, thrilling audiences with their attacking brand of rugby under the guidance of Fin Smith and George Furbank. A host of academy-developed players, who were once present at Twickenham as teenagers during the Saints’ last final appearance in 2014, now spearhead the club’s resurgence.

“This group is pretty much built on the academy. I was at that final watching as a fan and there were so many boys in this squad watching that game as fans and it sticks in our memory,” Dingwall added. “All we have ever wanted to do is recreate that. This final will be special for everyone, for boys playing their last game and boys for whom it is their boyhood club.”

The Saints’ journey to the Gallagher Premiership final has been forged through adversity and a newfound belief, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown against Bath at Twickenham on May 25th.

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