2010/2011 Heineken Cup Semi-Final Preview: Northampton V Perpignan

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at Internationaled.org

Published: April 30, 2011

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The Northampton Saints, winners of the Heineken Cup in 2000, will meet the only team left in the 2010/2011 tournament not to have claimed Europe's most prestigous domestic title. Perpignan, French champions in 2009 and seven-times the winner of the Top 14, did make it to a H-Cup final in 2003 but lost to old rivals Toulouse 22-17.

The Saints, in some pundit's eyes the best English domestic team, will bring a mighty squad to the penultimate match of the championship minus test flanker Tom Wood.

The twin attacking foils of Ben Foden and Chris Ashton might attempt to take all the headlines, but it is a remarkably powerful engine room for Northampton that has seen them supply quality ball to their class back division.

Jim Mallinder has molded his team into an obvious champion outfit, but the Saints will want to start confirming this potential by winning at least one major cup this year.

The Saints are fourth in the current Aviva Premiership and a threat to the English crown, but they are attempting to become the first ever unbeaten team in Heineken Cup history, with Leinster (twice), London Wasps, Bath Rugby, Biarritz Olympique, Scarlets and Cardiff Blues all whitewashing their pools throughout history but failing to claim the title.

Nine wins constitutes a perfect Heineken Cup season - never achieved in the North.

In the South, the Crusaders in 2002 went 11 wins in the regular season through to beating the Brumbies in the final to achieve a perfect 13-from-13 Super Rugby campaign.

Former New Zealand based player and Saints' veteran Bruce Reihana said his team was ready.

"This semifinal is absolutely massive for the club and for the supporters," Reihana said.

"We have worked so hard all season to get to this point, and we are all hugely excited about playing Perpignan in the semifinals. Any side you meet in the last four are going to be at the top of their game and Perpignan are no dif...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union

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