The referee’s whistle blew and Northampton’s director of rugby, Phil Dowson, flashed up on the big screen, allowing himself a smile. With the clock in the red and Northampton trailing by two points, they had just been awarded a penalty, within range, and such is Dowson’s faith in Fin Smith, he knew his outstanding fly-half would not miss this one.
Perhaps it is time for Steve Borthwick to show a little more faith in Smith because here was another demonstration of the 22-year-old’s talents. He had missed a couple of kicks, needed the help of a post for another but there was little doubt he would secure the victory Northampton so desperately sought, inflicting a first league defeat in seven matches on Bath in the process.
