‘I fancy a pint, I’m not going to lie’ – James Lowe relieved after Leinster win

On By Vaseline

Leinster’s James Lowe celebrates after scoring his side’s third try

James Lowe admitted Leinster almost pulled off a huge upset after reaching the Investec Champions Cup final with a 20-17 win over Northampton at Croke Park.

Lowe scored a hat-trick of tries to help the four-time European champions into a 20-3 lead, but Saints finally shook off the stage fright that had plagued them for the first hour as they landed through George Hendy and Tom Seabrook.

Leinster clinched a spot in the final where they will face Toulouse or Harlequins, leaving Northampton to reflect on what could have happened if they had shown more belief from the start.

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“Something almost horrific has happened!” Ireland wing Lowe told TNT Sports.

“We managed to build a score, but we know Northampton are a great attacking team and we gave them too many chances.

‘I don’t think we kicked well, at least I personally do, and we let their boys get off. Credit to them, they pushed us to the end and we were pretty lucky.

“It is such a special place in Croke Park, the history that comes with it is second to none and there is no other stadium in the world like it.

“To get the opportunity and privilege here to play a club match… we have achieved a performance that we are happy with, but there are things we need to clear up if we want to go all the way in this competition.

“But we move on and we don’t have a final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium!

“I fancy a beer, I’m not going to lie. We have worked hard to get into the driver’s seat and hopefully we will do better in the final than in recent years.”

Northampton boss Phil Down was disappointed that Saints were unable to give their best amid a high number of errors.

“I am incredibly proud of the efforts the boys have put in, especially in defence. It is frustrating that we have come close despite so many mistakes,” said Dowson.

“Fair play, Leinster are a good team and we brought them closer. We were much better in the second half and that was reflected on the scoreboard.”