The 'most disappointing' thing about Northampton's loss to Gloucester

Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson bemoaned his side’s lack of fight as they were beaten 25-17 by Gloucester.

The defending champions, who won this fixture 90-0 last term, suffered their first home league defeat since October 2023.

Santiago Carreras scored two tries and kicked 10 points as the Cherry and Whites made up for their humiliating 14-try defeat at Franklin’s Gardens at the end of last season.

Dowson said: “It’s hugely disappointing. We were poor in the first half, and credit to Gloucester because they were excellent. They got right on top of us, and we gave ourselves too much to do in that second half.

“It’s hugely frustrating, disappointing and emotional after a game, and there’s obviously some things in terms of tactics where we weren’t at the races, but emotionally, we weren’t in the right place, and Gloucester came here all guns blazing and had a point to prove.

“They proved it. We didn’t stand up for the fight, and that’s probably the most disappointing thing.”

One positive for Northampton was England scrum-half Alex Mitchell making his first appearance of the season after recovering from a neck injury.

But they lost England fly-half Fin Smith to a head injury assessment early on, while George Hendy was also forced off.

“Alex Mitchell’s input was excellent”, Dowson added.

“For him to be away for that long and to come back and play so well and have such an impact was great.

“He rode the crest of a wave in the second half because the rest of the group picked themselves up a little bit and created some faster ball for him. He was excellent.

“Fin Smith passed his head injury assessment, but he couldn’t see out of one of his eyes because he had a knee in the eye. He passed his HIA, but he had blurred vision in one of his eyes, so he couldn’t continue.

“George Hendy failed his head injury assessment.”

Gloucester head coach George Skivington was delighted with his side’s display, but the victory did not make up for their mauling in May.

“I will never forget that match, but I’m not sure winning cancels it out,” Skivington said.

“Last year happened, and that was painful, and we have big scars from that, but we are a different team this year.

“A lot of the young lads who played in that match are now starters for us.

“I’m really pleased, but I did think we had a few inaccuracies, actually.

“But the doggedness and fight in the second half was excellent.

“The attitude in shutting down the best-attacking team in the league was the big factor.

“I’m pleased with how we played in the first half but more pleased with how we shut them down in the second half.

“Santi (Carreras) was outstanding today. He showed his world-class pedigree in this game, scoring tries and slotting kicks, and it’s really good to see him back doing that.

“It was just one of those days where our big names turned up for us, everyone grafted, and I’m delighted with the attitude.”