Saints rampant as Tigers are tamed in Northampton

Northampton Saints' Api Ratuniyarawa scores a try against Leicester Tigers during the Gallagher Premiership match at Franklin's Gardens, Northampton - Credit: PA

Northampton Saints Director of Rugby Chris Boyd was delighted with the way his squad coped with the loss of three key players to take derby bragging rights over Leicester in rugby's Gallagher Premiership.

Owen Franks (hand), Courtney Lawes (hamstring) and Dan Biggar (foot) all failed fitness tests, with Biggar's injury discovered on the morning of the game.

But the players who replaced them - Ehren Painter, Api Ratuniyarawa and James Grayson - all rose to the occasion to help the Saints to a resounding 36-13 victory in which they scored five tries to Leicester's one.

Four of the five tries were converted by Grayson, who also kicked a penalty.

Former New Zealand All-Black Matt Proctor marked his Premiership debut with Northampton's first two tries, with Ratuniyarawa, Tom Collins and Fraser Dingwall all crossing the Tigers goalline.

Northampton Saints Director of Rugby Chris Boyd's post match reaction after their victory over East MIdlands rivals Leicester Tigers