England flanker Henry Pollock kicks off huge brawl, three players get yellow carded
04/13/2025 05:05 AM
England flanker Henry Pollock stole the spotlight once more as Northampton Saints stormed past Castres to book their place in the Champions Cup semi-finals.
The 20-year-old sensation bagged two second-half tries in a brilliant all-round display, strengthening his case for a spot on the British & Irish Lions tour next year. After dotting down his second, the back-rower turned to the crowd and threw an imaginary basketball shot in celebration — oozing confidence and charisma in front of a packed-out Franklin's Gardens.
Saints set up spicy Leinster rematch
It was a comfortable afternoon for Phil Dowson's side, who ran out 40-14 winners to set up a blockbuster rematch with Leinster.
The Irish giants crushed Glasgow Warriors on Friday night and now await Saints in the last four — a repeat of last year's semi-final when Leinster narrowly edged it.
With four Champions Cup titles under their belt, Leinster will be firm favourites to reach a fourth straight final, but Northampton are riding a serious wave of momentum.
Speaking after the game, Pollock made it clear: Saints aren't just there to make up the numbers. "We've got a point to prove," he said.
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Chaos in the 53rd minute – triple yellow drama
Things got feisty just past the 50-minute mark when winger Martin Boget flew recklessly into Pollock. That sparked a messy scuffle involving Castres prop Tichit Galisson, who pinned the flanker to the turf.
Enter Temo Mayanavanua, who raced in to defend his teammate, and suddenly all hell broke loose.
After a lengthy TMO review, Italian referee Andrea Piardi wasn't messing about — sending all three players to the sin-bin. The game lost none of its edge, but Saints kept their cool and saw things out in style.
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Dan Biggar names bold Lions XV – with big England omissions
Wales legend Dan Biggar has officially called time on his playing career, but not before dropping a blockbuster British & Irish Lions XV on The Rugby Pod – and his picks are bound to raise a few eyebrows.
The 112-cap fly-half, who steered Wales through some of their finest Six Nations and World Cup moments, appeared on Jim Hamilton's podcast this week and revealed his Lions dream team. Spoiler alert: there’s no room for the likes of Owen Farrell, Johnny Sexton, or even himself.
Here's how Biggar's team shaped up…
Front-row firepower: Porter, Sheehan & Furlong
1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
It's an all-Irish affair in the front row, with Biggar backing Leinster’s dominant trio to boss the scrum. Furlong remains the Rolls-Royce of tightheads, while Sheehan and Porter provide dynamism in the loose.
Big boys in the boiler room: Itoje & Beirne
4. Maro Itoje
5. Tadhg Beirne
England's Maro Itoje gets the nod despite some inconsistent recent form, with Biggar clearly still valuing his disruptive brilliance. He's paired with the ever-reliable Beirne – a turnover machine and Lions Test starter in 2021.
Breakdown beasts: Curry, Van Der Flier & Doris (c)
6. Tom Curry
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris (captain)
This back row is pure chaos – in the best possible way. England's Tom Curry returns to the fray, Ireland's Van der Flier adds World Player of the Year pedigree, and Doris, who's fast becoming a modern-day great, takes the armband. A fearless choice.
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