Each week we will be asking rugby journalists as well as Lions legends to review all the action from the leagues and competitions to see which players are putting their names in contention for the Lions Tour of Australia this summer. This week’s Lions Watch is written by Paul Martin.
The final weekend of action before The British & Irish Lions squad is named for this summer’s Tour of Australia saw plenty of contenders make late cases for inclusion.
The semi-finals of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup took centre stage and it was a day to remember for those wearing the black, green and gold of Northampton Saints…
SAINTS DOWN LEINSTER IN CLASSIC
England internationals Tommy Freeman, Fin Smith and Henry Pollock were among those to shine as Northampton Saints earned a famous 37-34 win over Leinster in Dublin to book a spot in the Champions Cup final.
Freeman crossed for a stunning first-half hat-trick to set his side on the road to victory, latching on to Smith’s deft kick for his first before ruthlessly finishing two other scores.
In between Freeman’s treble, Pollock ensured he stayed firmly in the spotlight with a barnstorming 45-metre run for a try of his own, which came shortly after one for his opposite number and a rival for a spot in the Lions back row, Josh van der Flier.
The Ireland flanker scored again in the second half, while there were also scores for Lions hopefuls Caelan Doris and James Lowe as the hosts threatened a fightback.
But Northampton held on for a landmark triumph, after which Pollock admitted he is dreaming of a place on the plane this summer.
“I have thought about it but at the end of the day you can’t control it – it is subjective,” he said.
“It would be an honour to go on that plane and represent the Lions but if it is not this year then I am sure I will be able to pick myself up and bounce back.
“I thought I did all right, but it is not up to me. It is up to the Lions coaches. We have got a kit thing so I will be with the [Northampton] boys. We’ll probably get a camera set up or something.”
Saints will play Bordeaux in the final after they came through an all-French semi-final against Toulouse 35-18.
Jack Willis, another flanker who will have eyes trained on the O2 Arena this Thursday, played the opening 65 minutes for the beaten side.
BATH STAY ON TREBLE COURSE
Sam Underhill and Finn Russell starred as Bath Rugby beat Edinburgh 39-24 to reach the Challenge Cup final and stay on course for a remarkable treble.
Underhill crossed for his side’s opening try and also showed his power in defence, with two particularly bruising tackles on 2021 tourist Ali Price showing his intent.
The England back-rower joins the likes of the aforementioned Pollock, Van der Flier, and Willis among the stacked options for his position and will hope to have caught Farrell’s eye with his display.
Russell, meanwhile, contributed nine points with the boot on his return to his homeland to help steer his side through to the showpiece.
Bath will take on Lyon, who overcame a Racing 92 side hit by an early blow when Lions hopeful Owen Farrell suffered a head injury.
Farrell started at inside centre but was withdrawn in the 19th minute of a match his side went on to lose 29-15.
