‘Something almost horrific happened’ – James Lowe reflects on Leinster’s narrow win over Northampton Saints
Leinster Rugby's James Lowe celebrates their side’s victory in the Investec Champions Cup semi-final match at Croke Park, Dublin.
Leinster winger James Lowe admits his team almost fell victim to an upset in their Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Northampton Saints.
Lowe raced over for a hat-trick of tries as Leinster shot into a 20-3 lead at Croke Park on Saturday, but Saints almost secured their place in the final when they staged a comeback through George Hendy and Tom Seabrook tries.
However, Leinster clung on to book a place in the final with a 20-17 victory and will face either Toulouse or Harlequins.
Leinster hold Northampton Saints out
“Something almost horrific happened!” Ireland wing Lowe told TNT Sports after the tense finish.
“We were able to build a score but we know Northampton are an amazing attacking side and we gave them too many opportunities.
“I don’t think we kicked well, me personally anyway, and we let their boys run riot. Credit to them, they pushed us until the end and we were pretty fortunate.
“It’s such a special place Croke Park, the history that comes along with it is second to none and there’s not another stadium like it in the world.
“To be given the opportunity and privilege to play a club match here… we put in a performance we’re happy with but there are things we have got to tidy up if we want to go the whole way in this competition.
“But we’ll kick on and we’ve not got a final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium!
“I’m looking forward to a pint, I’m not going to lie. We worked bloody hard to get ourselves into the driving seat and hopefully we’ll do better in the final than we have done in the last couple of years.”
Slow start
Meanwhile, Northampton boss Phil Dowson rued his side’s slow start to the semi-final in Dublin.
“I’m incredibly proud of the effort the lads put in, especially in defence. There’s frustration that we went close despite making so many mistakes,” Dowson said.
“Fair play, Leinster are a good side and we pushed them close. We were way better in the second half and that was reflected on the scoreboard.”
