Summary

  • FT: Northampton Saints 22-20 Saracens

  • Saints reach the final 10 years after they beat Saracens to win their only Premiership title

  • Northampton will play either Bath or Sale at Twickenham in the final on Saturday, 8 June.

  • Defeat ends an era for Saracens with Owen Farrell, Billy and Mako Vunipola all playing their final games for the club

  • Fin Smith kicks 17 points as Burger Odendaal scored Saints try

  • Alex Lewington's try closed the gap for Saracens as Elliot Daly kicked two penalties, before Luca Cinti scored in 78th minute

  • Northampton finished first in the Premiership table to secure the home semi-final at Franklin's Gardens

  1. 'This game is far from over'published at 20:45 British Summer Time 31 May

    Northampton 16-6 Saracens

    Lennie Newman
    Former Northampton Saints player and manager

    This game by a long stretch is far from over.

    Do we expect an impact from Saracens when they're sat in the changing room? Of course we do.

    They are going to throw the kitchen sink at the Saints.

  2. BBC coveragepublished at 20:45 British Summer Time 31 May

    Northampton 16-6 Saracens

    Remember you're spoilt for choice with our BBC radio live commentary this evening.

    You can choose between BBC Five Live Sports Extra, BBC Radio Northampton for your Saints angle while BBC Radio London will have a shaper focus on Sarries.

    Click 'Watch and Listen' to select your feed.

  3. Kick-offpublished at 40 mins

    Northampton 16-6 Saracens

    Elliot Daly gets us back underway.

    Over the the past decade there has only been one half-time lead overturned in the semi-finals.

  4. Postpublished at 20:42 British Summer Time 31 May

    HT: Northampton 16-6 Saracens

    Back they come at the Gardens.

    Do Sarries have a rally in them here?

  5. 'A story of two halves'published at 20:38 British Summer Time 31 May

    HT: Northampton 16-6 Saracens

    Chris Ashton
    Two-time Champions Cup winner on 5 live sports extra

    A story of two halves.

    Saracens were all in control, the hits that were going in at the start of the game were ridiculous.

    But Saints found a way through into it, scored a great try and as I said before the game Fin Smith just never looks fazed.

    The atmosphere is building, that kick were straight on their feet clapping them in.

  6. 'This feels like Northampton's to lose'published at 20:34 British Summer Time 31 May

    HT: Northampton 16-6 Saracens

    Chris Jones
    BBC rugby union correspondent

    A captivating first 40, with Saracens going after Northampton physically from the off - especially at the breakdown - but the Saints managed to weather the storm and shift the momentum back their way.

    Saracens have started to make basic mistakes, the Gardens crowd has found its voice, and Fin Smith can’t miss.

    While it’s not been vintage Northampton at all, this feels theirs to lose. Saracens are up against it: Owen Farrell isn’t fully fit, their only outside back replacement is already on the field, they are 10 points down, and are away from home.

    It would take a remarkable effort from Sarries to stop the Saints marching in to Twickenham.

  7. Postpublished at 20:31 British Summer Time 31 May

    HT: Northampton 16-6 Saracens

    Saracens will have some concerns.

    They've competed very well on the floor and at the line-out but their attack has made no impression at all and Saints have been very comfortable in defence.

  8. Half-timepublished at 20:28 British Summer Time 31 May

    Northampton 16-6 Saracens

    And that takes us the break of a tremendous first half.

    Saracens began well but the home side have looked better as the half went on.

    From 6-0 down they worked a very slick try for Burger Odendaal and then the boot of Fin Smith has given them a very handy lead.

  9. Penalty Northampton 16-6 Saracenspublished at 40 mins

    Fin Smith

    This is a tough one from wide out on the left, 35 yards out.

    But it's nailed by Fin Smith!

    Wonderful kick.

  10. Postpublished at 39 mins

    Northampton 13-6 Saracens

    A hint of space for Lucio Cinti down the left but Alex Mitchell makes a great tackle and drags him into touch.

    From the line-out Saints work it left and try dancing up the short side.

    And then they win a penalty on the floor as Sarries don't release in the tackle.

    Fin Smith goes for the posts.

  11. Postpublished at 38 mins

    Northampton 13-6 Saracens

    The scrum has seen a right battle so far and this time Alex Waller is done for not driving straight.

    Relief for Sarries as we move towards the break.

  12. 'It's nip and tuck'published at 20:25 British Summer Time 31 May

    Northampton 13-6 Saracens

    Hugh Godwin
    Rugby union journalist on BBC Radio London

    It's nip and tuck, really enjoyable.

    After a really good first 15 minutes from Saracens to lead 6-0, Northampton Saints have been the better team since then.

  13. Postpublished at 36 mins

    Northampton 13-6 Saracens

    But once again there is no change from Sarries' attack and they force a spill.

    Fin Smith kicks long and then Elliot Daly makes a stinking mistake and knocks on on the floor!

    Perfect attacking platform now for the hosts.

  14. Postpublished at 20:23 British Summer Time 31 May

    Northampton 13-6 Saracens

    Chris Peddy
    BBC Sport at Franklin's Gardens

    There's been a big change in the mood here in Northampton, it was a tense start for the home fans as Saracens put in some big tackles and started the match really well.

    But Burger Odendaal's try got the fans on their feet and now the home support are creating the atmosphere we expected in this game.

    One brave Saracens fan shouted out in the silence before Fin Smith calmly kicked Saints into a seven-point lead - it's fair to say the Northampton fans let them know what they think of that behaviour.

    There'll no doubt be plenty more twists and turns to come.

  15. Postpublished at 35 mins

    Northampton 13-6 Saracens

    Nothing coming from that Sarries attack and Northampton turn it over on the 22.

    They kick long and Sarries run it back down the right.

    A loose pass is gather by Saints but then they're pinged for holding on.

    Back inside the hosts' 22 we go.

  16. Postpublished at 34 mins

    Northampton 13-6 Saracens

    Tom Pearson has his hands on the ground at a ruck and Sarries win a penalty on halfway.

    Elliot Daly range but he goes for the corner and on the breeze only finds the 22.

  17. Penalty Northampton 13-6 Saracenspublished at 32 mins

    Fin Smith

    And Fin Smith makes no mistake.

    The home side getting themselves on top now after that strong start from the champions.

  18. Postpublished at 32 mins

    Northampton 10-6 Saracens

    The penalty is kicked to 35 yards out and from first phase, Sarries are pinged once again at the ruck.

    Jamie George off feet and this is another good chance for three points.

  19. Postpublished at 30 mins

    Northampton 10-6 Saracens

    Sarries win the ball back from the kick-off.

    But then Owen Farrell spills a dying pass!

    A giant roar from the Gardens.

    And a bigger one as they win a scrum penalty.

  20. Penalty Northampton 10-6 Saracenspublished at 29 mins

    Fin Smith

    It was Ben Earl pinged at the ruck.

    And Fin Smith steps up to kick Northampton further ahead.