Courtney Lawes credited with 'real impact' as substitute in Northampton's dramatic comeback against Sale

Courtney Lawes has been credited with having a "real impact" after coming on as a substitute during Northampton Saints' comeback against Sale Sharks.

Northampton went top of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby table after securing a narrow 21-17 victory at Franklin's Gardens.

Sale had taken a 14-0 lead, but Northampton captain George Furbank’s 53rd-minute try inspired a change in momentum.

Lawes also proved to be a game-changer when he came off the bench, earning the praise of TNT Sports expert and former England international Chris Ashton.

"They [the substitutions] had a real impact today," he said. "Especially being able to not start a player like Courtney and bring him on. He just sorted the breakdown straight out, he nullified any of Sale’s threats. And that’s how Northampton got into the game.

"With the speed of the ball, Northampton started to create momentum, and then they scored tries.

"We said at half-time that we hoped Northampton would spring to life. That’s what they did and the bench definitely added to that."

Northampton are top of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby table with 34 points after seven wins and three losses so far this season.

Ashton attributed their current success to Northampton’s increased squad depth, allowing head coach Sam Vesty to have players such as Lawes on the bench.

"Sometimes that can take time, that process," Ashton explained. "Giving lads experience and getting a bigger, wider squad is probably what Northampton have been going through the past few years. Now they’ve got that."

The 34-year-old Lawes retired from international duty with England after the Rugby World Cup in October, having made 105 appearances for his country.

Lawes, who has played for Northampton for the entirety of his career, has not yet confirmed when he will be hanging up his boots for good.

After Northampton’s match against Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, January 6, their encounter against Newcastle Falcons on Saturday, January 27, will be shown live on TNT Sports.

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