Investec Champions Cup last 16
Northampton Saints: (27) 46
Try: Smith, Freeman 3, Augustus 2, Pollock Con: Smith 4 Pen: Smith
Clermont Auvergne: (10) 24
Try: Moala, Raka, Fainga'a Con: Belleau 3 Pen: Belleau
Tommy Freeman scored an impressive hat-trick to further strengthen his claim for British and Irish Lions selection as Northampton Saints cruised past Clermont Auvergne in the Investec Champions Cup last 16.
Freeman wrapped up his treble on the hour mark at Franklin's Gardens as he continued to demonstrate the attacking prowess which helped him create history last month as the first England player to score in every round of a Six Nations campaign.
Clermont started brightly in the fading spring sunshine as George Moala scored the opening try but the hosts quickly recovered and scored the next four to take control of the tie as the night sky set in.
Fin Smith combined beautifully with his England half-back partner Alex Mitchell to cross for their first before Freeman scored a quickfire double in the wide channel.
To further compound Clermont's demise, Sebastien Bezy joined Thomas Ceyte in the sin-bin before Juarno Augustus added Northampton's fourth try from a line-out strike move on the stroke of half-time.
It was more of the same after the break as Augustus sauntered in to double his tally following a terrific solo break by George Hendy, before Clermont salvaged some pride with a couple of tries through Alivereti Raka and Folau Fainga'a.
The next try felt crucial as Clermont reduced the deficit to 10 points and it was duly delivered by the influential Freeman, who brushed off one yellow shirt in midfield before sprinting clear to dive over.
Henry Pollock added the gloss by latching on to Smith's clever grubber kick, and Northampton's prize is a return to their East Midlands home next weekend to face either Castres or Benetton in the next round.
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Saints' England stars come to fore
In a week when Saracens decided to prioritise their pursuit of a Premiership play-off spot over European success by resting their England internationals in the Champions Cup, Northampton opted to ensure their Test stars were on full display.
Saints have struggled domestically as the defence of their Premiership title has faltered, but this was a ruthless exploitation of their French visitors in a competition which presents their most realistic chance of silverware this season.
The opening exchanges were not to script but Northampton's internationals were crucial in wresting back momentum.
Alex Mitchell provided the speed at the breakdown to manoeuvre the Clermont defence, while Smith's control and sleight of hand behind him enticed his outside runners to carry hard and breach the gain-line.
Smith ...
