Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder has paid tribute to Shane Geraghty's inspiring performance against Leeds.
Saints boss hails 'outstanding' Geraghty
Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder has paid tribute to Shane Geraghty's inspiring performance during his side's the 30-10 defeat of Leeds.
Geraghty scored one try, set up two more and slotted seven points with his boot as Saints cruised to a comfortable bonus point win over the bottom club at Franklin's Gardens.
"He is playing well for us," said Mallinder, who signed Geraghty from London Irish this summer.
"We are really pleased he is playing for us and nowhere else.
"I thought today he was outstanding at recognising opportunities and where space was.
"Because of him, (Chris) Mayor and Clarke both had excellent games."
Versatility
England Saxon Geraghty is currently being tipped to be promoted into Martin Johnson's senior 32 for the autumn internationals.
With England due to face Australia on November 7, Mallinder is in no doubt that Geraghty deserves his spot in the national team.
The 23-yea-old fly-half looks likely though to come in at centre, outside the fit-again number 10 Jonny Wilkinson.
"He is playing for us at 10," Mallinder added. "I don't know if that is where Martin is thinking of, although I guess the slot outside is where they are thinking about.
"It depends how they want to play. But he has shown he has the versatility to do both.
"With Jonny's structure and the way he can play and run the game, I think to have Shane outside him would be a good partnership."
Northampton's third win from four matches this season was inspired by a spell of 13 minutes midway through the first half that yielded four tries.
Bitterly disappointed
"It was an unbelievable bit of rugby," said Mallinder.
"Two of the tries were straight off the training ground and the other two were a case of turning balls over and having good players making good decisions.
"We've won, we've got the bonus point - we are happy."
Leeds, who are favourites for relegation this season, have now lost three games on the trot and are anchored to the foot of the table on two points.
"The guys are bitterly disappointed," said Leeds head coach Neil Back.
"But when you give a side with Northampton's pedigree 19 points in five minutes, it's a tough challenge.
"I was very pleased with the way Leeds performed in the second half. They didn't let their heads drop.
"The players have tremendous belief in what we are trying to do, and the win will come."
