Stade Francais secures a great win with a second half comeback

Northampton Saints secured their place in the Investec Champions Cup knockout stage despite Stade Francais roaring back to win an exhilarating match featuring 12 tries.

Henry Pollock once again demonstrated his big-match mentality by scoring two tries in a minute as Northampton powered into a 21-0 lead in an electric opening quarter for the Premiership champions.

The home side responded superbly at a raucous Stade Jean-Bouin, scoring three times to cut the gap to 21-19 at half-time.

Saints scored a fourth try early in the second half to clinch the bonus point they needed to guarantee their last-16 place with a game to play.

But a penalty try, which resulted in England scrum-half Alex Mitchell being sent to the sin-bin for 10 minutes, and three further Stade tries completed a remarkable victory for Paul Gustard's side.

Curtis Langdon ran in a late try for the visitors but the home players celebrated a famous victory which revives their hopes of progressing.