"5/10" - Why Henry Pollock was named 'biggest under-performer' in his last match

Northampton took on Bath Rugby in a game to remember, with a combined total of 119 points, featuring 18 tries, with Saints securing a 71-48 victory.

Player of the Match: Ollie Sleightholme

Sleightholme delivered an outstanding performance for Northampton Saints, scoring a hat-trick in their 71-48 victory against Bath Rugby. The winger showcased his pace and strength through the match, beating 11 defenders and making 4 line breaks. He repeatedly exposed Bath’s defensive weaknesses, combining his explosive pact with his strength in contact.

Under performer: Henry Pollock

Pollock had a relatively quiet game, compared to his usual standard for Northampton Saints. Despite making 15 tackles, he carried for just 15 metres from three runs and had a limited influence on the breakdown and the attack.

One to watch: James Pater

At only the age of 19, James Pater made a statement at the Northampton Saints’ 71-48 victory over Bath. A stand out moment from the match from Pater, was the full-back capitalising on a fumble from Bath’s Santiago Carreras - after which he raced roughly 50 meters to score. Also, he gained 90 meters with 8 carries and beat 4 defenders, helping to create opportunities for his teammates.

The first half delivered tries from Fin Smith, Ollie Sleightholme, Tommy Freeman and Fraser Dingwall for the Saints, and the following suit was Bath following blow-for-blow with tries from Tom Carr-Smith, Luke Green, Charlie Griffin and Archie Griffin.

However, ultimately Bath finished the first half 2 points in the lead, edged forward by Finn Russell's penalty on the stroke at half-time for a 28-26 advantage.

At the beginning of the second half, Bath appeared to be retaining their leading position, with Green hammering home a try within the 42nd minute - only a few meters out.

After kick-off it didn't take long for Green to double his tally, but in retaliation Saints full-back, Pater, seized Santiago Carreras' dropped ball - taking possession and scoring a try for Saints.

Carreras corrected his error, getting a try of his own 4 minutes later. Pushing Bath 8 points in front.

Entering the final third of the game Saints brought the game back, with six more tries.

In the corner, Saints flanker Kemney scored, quickly followed by Mitchell. Minutes later Sleightholme completed his hattrick, while Bayliss kept Bath within reach - closing the gap to 57-48.

Saints weren’t finished, after smooth offloading from Hutchinson and Smith they gave Coles the opportunity to take the Saints over 60 points.

Freeman rounded off a blockbuster of a match, with his team's 11th try of the game.

Northampton Saints (29) 71

Smith 7', Sleightholme 16', Freeman 28', Dingwall 36', Pater 45', Kemney 51', Mitchell 56', Sleightholme 60', Sleightholme 64', Coles 68', Freeman 77'

Smith 17', 28', 37', 46', 57', 64', 69', 78'

Bath Rugby

Carr-Smith 10', C. Griffin 13' , A. Griffin 30', Green 32' & 42', Carreras 49', Bayliss 65'

Russell 11', 14', 33', 43', 66'

Russell 41'

Bayliss 27’, Lawrence 63’

1. Emmanuel Iyogun 6

2. Curtis Langdon 7

3. Cleopas Kundiona 5

4. Alex Coles 8

5. JJ van der Mescht 7

6. Josh Kemeny 7

7. Callum Chick 8

8. Henry Pollock 5

9. Alex Mitchell 8

10. Fin Smith 7

11. Ollie Sleightholme 9

12. Fraser Dingwall 7

13. Rory Hutchinson 8

14. Tommy Freeman 8

15. James Pater 7

16. Robbie Smith 7

17. Danllo Fischetti 8

18. Ion Neculal 6

19. Tom Lockett 6

20. Ed Prowse 7

21. Josh Taylor 7

22. Archie McParland 6

23. Anthony Belleau 6

1. Scott Kirk 6

2. Kepueli Tuipulotu 8

3. Archie Griffin 8

4. Will Jeanes 5

5. Ross Moloney 5

6. Josh Bayliss 7

7 Miles Reid 6

8. Arthur Green 8

9. Tom Carr-Smith 6

10. Fin Russel 7

11. Charlie Griffin 8

12. Cameron Redpath 5

13. Max Ojomoh 7

14. Joe Cokanasiga 5

15. Santi Carreras 7

16. Ted Hill 5

17. Jaco Coetzee 5

18. Beno Obano 6

19. Tom Dunn 6

20. Will Stuart 7

21. Charlie Ewels 6

22. Ollie Lawrence 4

23. Ieuan Davies 7

“Both teams took opportunities pretty quickly and I think both teams will be slightly disappointed in how they exited their end”

"We were so clinical with our execution of what we were doing”

“I thought our breakdown was very good, lots and lots of positives but we need to be better coming out of our end."

"It's disappointing if you score 48 points away from home and lose the game.”

"I think we lost control between minutes 50 and 60. The back end of both halves we conceded a yellow card and against a team like Saints it's difficult to contain them.”