Hooker sends a memo to England

14 April 2012

England reject Steve Thompson helped himself to two tries as Northampton got off the mark in Europe with a 37-13 victory against a fading Borders side.

The injury-hit World Cup-winning hooker — left out of England's autumn Test plans and told to get more games under his belt — powered over twice as the Scots' defence finally disintegrated after long spells under pressure.

Scores by Mark Robinson and Paul Tupai put the Saints on top, with former All Black Carlos Spencer marking his Heineken Cup debut with two penalties and four conversions.

At least the Reivers' pride was saved by Scotland wing Simon Danielli's superb solo score when he stepped into a gap and accelerated away through half a dozen weak tackles.

But a late penalty try and Thompson's two close-range efforts finally broke the Magners League strugglers, who now have little chance of qualifying from Pool Six.

The Saints should have run riot after Robinson darted down the left for the opening try on 10 minutes. But despite flyhalf Spencer's dazzling flicks and chips the Scots' defence held even after centre Ben MacDougall was sinbinned for a high tackle on Rhodri Davies.

But after the break, a more direct approach by the Saints earned the penalty try after prop Gavin Kerr was sinbinned.

The bonus point came when Thompson was driven over.

Thompson had the last word with a vintage 15-metre burst of pace and power to touch down.

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