Furbank's 79th-minute try rescues Northampton in 36-32 thriller against Gloucester

George Furbank scored a match-winning try in the 79th minute to give Northampton Saints a 36-32 Premiership victory over Gloucester at Franklin’s Gardens, securing a home semi-final berth in the play-offs and sparing his side what would have been one of the season’s biggest upsets.

Northampton were fortunate to come away with the win after a performance riddled with errors, conceding five penalties in the opening five minutes alone. Prop Emmanuel Iyogun was yellow-carded for persistent team infringements early on, and Gloucester made the numerical advantage count immediately. Gwynne was driven over from a close-range lineout, and before Iyogun could return, a slick handling move gave Thorley an easy run-in. Seb Atkinson converted both and Gloucester led 12-0 after a one-sided first quarter.

The match also marked a milestone occasion for Tommy Hutchinson, who led Northampton out for his 200th appearance for the club — making him the 82nd Saint to reach that landmark.

Northampton eventually stirred. Hendy stole possession at a ruck and raced 30 metres to score, and the hosts then broke from inside their own 22 in a sweeping move that saw Furbank make substantial ground before Smith finished unopposed. Gloucester hit back through a Caolan Englefield break that set up a try for captain Atkinson, before Hutchinson touched down following a chip from Smith to level the scores at 19-19 at half-time — Smith’s conversion rebounding off a post to keep the teams level.

The second half was equally chaotic. Gloucester claimed their bonus-point try when Loader crossed in the corner, but Freeman responded swiftly with his 16th league try of the season. Freeman then knocked on carelessly in his own 22, and from the resulting scrum Llewellyn sailed through a gaping hole to put Gloucester back in front. A Saints try from replacement Graham and an Atkinson penalty kept the lead changing hands before Furbank had the final word, crossing late to seal the result and end Gloucester’s hopes of a famous victory.