The Ellis Rugby Vintage Northampton Saints Rugby Polo Shirt is inspired by the many great Northampton Saints Rugby teams. The team of 2000 was one of the clubs greatest. Northampton Saints defeated Llanelli 31 points to 28 in the semi-final of the 2000 European Rugby Champions Cup. In the other semi-final, Munster defeated a much fancied Toulouse team. Munster defeated them away from home in the StadeChaban-Delmas in Bordeaux by 31 points to 25. Everything was set for the final at Twickenham. On the 27th May 2000, 68,441 spectators gathered to watch the match. They came to watch these two mighty teams play-off for the title of European Champions. Northampton started the better of the two sides. But, the power of the Saints pack took control from the start. Tim Rodber, the Captain in the Green Howards infantry regiment of the British Army alongside Scottish flanker 'Budge Pountney. And the New Zealand born Samoa Rugby Union international Pat Lam started to get the edge over their Irish opposition. Munster gave away a penalty in front of the posts. And Full Back Paul Grayson gave Saints the lead within two minutes. They continued to mount pressure on the Irish team. And their lead could have increased further had Ben Cohen, the England international winger not fumbled the ball a few yards short of the try line. Munster managed to gain possession and a kick and chase created a position from where Centre Jason Holland levelled the score with a finely struck drop goal.
After Northampton Saints monopolised possession early on, it was Munster who starting exerting pressure. And soon the Munster supporters soon had something to celebrate. When after a number of quick, accurate passes David Wallace found space to score the only try of the match on 33 minutes. In difficult conditions that favoured Northampton in the first half, Ronan O Gara s kick went to the side of the posts and Munster led by five points. Led by the inspirational Saints' captain Pat Lam who with one of his trademark rampaging runs created good field position. Welsh international Centre Allan Bateman came close to scoring. And they then pulled the score back to 6 - 8 just before the interval with Grayson slotting an easy penalty. By contrast Munster s Ronan O'Gara missed an easy opportunity to add to their lead. From the restart, Irish skipper Keith Wood took a brilliant catch. And he followed this up with a superb 40 yard break. But, before they were able to capitalise, the initiative swung Northampton's way when first Saints' scrum-half Dom Malone, intercepted. Then Grayson once again made Munster pay with another successful penalty. This score put the English club ahead by a single point. Munster came back into the game. But squandered an opportunity to go back into the lead when they opted to kick for touch instead of kicking for goal. They won the line-out. But failed the make any impression against the formidable Saints pack in which Argentine Prop Federico Mendez and Australian born flanker Don Mackinnon were exceptional.
Then Munster got the break they d been looking for. Unfortunately it was not O Gara s day and his attempt missed for the third time in the game. To make matters worse captain Mick Galwey was sin-binned. With just seven minutes left, Northampton had a perfect opportunity to increase their lead. But Grayson surprisingly missed a simple kick. Fortunately for Saints - Munster couldn t create any more chances. While the final score of 9 points to 8 was enough to secure the victory that Northampton's performance so richly deserved.
The Ellis Rugby Vintage Northampton Saints Rugby Polo Shirt design features the Northampton Saints Crest as a smart appliqu on the front chest. And Ellis Rugby branding on the arm. Manufactured from 100% chunky pique cotton, this shirt features detailed embroidery on the crest. Also, contrast inner placket, arm rib and collar stand. The available sizes are S to 5XL. As well as the Vintage Northampton Saints Rugby Polo Shirt, we also offer a Northampton Saints Rugby Shirt Vintage Heritage Style.