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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Nathan Johns

Northampton’s growing list of Lions contenders sparkle in Castres thrashing

Castres Northampton Lions George Furbank Saints Andy Farrell Henry Pollock Fin Smith Tommy Freeman Leinster
Tommy Freeman (second from right) was one of a number of Lions contenders to sparkle for Saints in a big win over Castres - (Getty Images)

Given that Castres’ last visit to the Franklin’s Gardens ended in a 38-8 defeat before Christmas, you’d be forgiven for putting a broader, more red-tinged spin on Saturday night’s Investec Champions Cup quarter-final. Northampton, after all, are laden with British and Irish Lions hopefuls; Fin Smith, Tommy Freeman, and Alex Mitchell chief among them.

Dare we add 20-year-old Henry Pollock to that list? Or even full-back George Furbank, playing in his first game since breaking his arm back in December?

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