The Northampton Saints have advanced to the Premiership final after narrowly defeating Saracens 22-20 in a hard-fought contest at Franklin’s Gardens.
Both teams had tries disallowed, but the decisive factor was the kicking prowess of the young number 10 Fin Smith, who scored 15 points for the hosts.
Nonetheless, it was Alex Mitchell, the halfback partner of the 22-year-old, who earned the man of the match award for his outstanding performance. As England’s starting number 9, Mitchell demonstrated why he holds that position.
Mitchell told TNT Sports: “We made it way too tight at the end there but we got the job done.
“We had a few chances that we butchered and whoever we now play we’ll have to dig in.
“It’s been a long time coming and I’ve always wanted to play in a final at Twickenham.”
The Saints will compete in the Twickenham final on June 8 against the winner of the Bath-Sale Sharks match, which takes place on Saturday.
The evening was a disappointing conclusion for captain Owen Farrell, as well as the Vunipola brothers Billy and Mako, and several other Saracens stars who are leaving the club this summer.
A visibly shaken Farrell, who will be joining Racing 92, appeared close to tears as the game concluded.
Owen Farrell is among 24 Saracens departures this summer, it’s the end of an era
Saracens have announced that 24 players will be leaving the Premiership semi-finalists at the end of the season.
mong the departing players is Owen Farrell, who will join the French side Racing 92.
Since Farrell’s debut in 2008, Saracens have enjoyed an era of unprecedented success, winning six Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups.
The reigning league champions, known as the Men in Black, are preparing for their 13th Premiership semi-final in 15 seasons, facing Northampton on Friday night for a spot in Twickenham’s grand final.
Speaking ahead of the game, Farrell emphasised the importance of the match for the club rather than the departing players.
“It’s more a big week for the club. I don’t think this defines anything for anyone personally here, it’s more we want to get the best out of what’s in front of us now – that’s all we’re focusing on,” he told BBC Sport London.
“It’s a good challenge ahead of us this weekend so one we should be looking forward to, not one where we could be thinking it’s all over.”
Check out the full list of departures below.
Saracens departures:
Owen Farrell to Racing 92
Christian Judge to Béziers
Alex Lewington (retired)
Tom West to Northampton Saints
Billy Vunipola (released)
Mako Vunipola (released)
