Northampton, Racing draw in European Champions Cup

Northampton and Racing 92 played out a dour 9-9 draw at Franklin's Gardens in their Pool 3 clash in the European Champions Cup on Friday.

Northampton fly-half Stephen Myler and Racing's World Cup-winning star Dan Carter kicked three penalties apiece in a decidedly more even contest than the reverse fixture a week ago.

On that occasion, the French side thumped their English opponents 33-3 in the Paris suburbs and once again Saints were unable to cross the try line here.

England coach Eddie Jones was in attendance but there was little to really catch his eye as Racing cemented their place at the top of the group thanks to the kicking of Carter, whose right leg was heavily strapped.

Two penalties from the New Zealander gave Racing a 6-3 interval lead and as the final quarter loomed the score only read 9-6 to the Top 14 club, allowing Myler's third penalty to level the scores.

The French side still have a game in hand on Northampton, while pool rivals Scarlets and Glasgow meet in Wales on Saturday.

Among the other games this weekend reigning champions Toulon travel to Leinster on Saturday with the Irish province, three-time former winners like their opponents, already as good as eliminated after three straight defeats in Pool 5.
Source: AFP