Northampton Saints' terrible run continues

Ospreys' Jeff Hassler scores their sixth try evading Northampton Saints' Ben Foden during the European Rugby Champions Cup, Pool Two match Credit: PA

A late flurry of tries couldn't stop Northampton Saints from sliding to their third successive European Champions Cup defeat, and ninth in all competitions.

And the Saints' could be forced into more changes when they visit Welsh side Ospreys in their return Pool 2 fixture at Swansea.

That's after losing both fly-halves - Piers Francis and Stephen Myler - through injury early in Saturday's encounter.

But Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder conceded afterwards their game generally was 'not good enough' from a team 'clearly lacking in confidence'.

The Saints were stunned as Ospreys rushed to a 43 points to 8 lead after an hour at Franklin's Gardens.

Jeff Hassler and Dan Evans scored two tries each for the Guinness Pro 14 outfit.

And they had to withstand a fierce fightback by the hosts before claiming their first victory in Pool 2 by 11 points.

Dylan Hartley had crossed the Ospreys line first for Saints before Nic Groom sparked their revival. Rob Horne, Ashee Tuala and Harry Mallinder weighed in with further tries.

A scuffle breaks out between the players during the European Rugby Champions Cup, Pool Two match at Franklin's Gardens, Northampton. Credit: PA