Portugal Colonial - Freeman hat-trick eases Northampton into Champions Cup quarters with Clermont win

Freeman, 24, made his contributions in a 37-minute spell having also crossed in every game of this year's Six Nations and last week's English Premiership loss at Sale.

South African No 8 Juarno Augustus with a double and Freeman's international team-mates in fly-half Fin Smith and No 8 Henry Pollock were the Saints' other try scorers in a thrilling attacking display from the 2000 champions.

The French visitors were denied a first spot in the last eight since 2021 despite leading 10-0 after 13 minutes.

Two first-half yellow cards for lock Thomas Ceyte and Sebastien Bezy cost Les Jaunards dearly.

The three-time former runners up were also hampered by injury blows as they lost winger Bautista Delguy and iconic captain Fritz Lee to serious-looking problems.

The Saints will host the winners of Treviso's trip to Castres, who face each other on Saturday, in next weekend's quarters.

Saturday's highlight though will be a Ronan O'Gara derby as the La Rochelle director of rugby welcomes former province Munster to western France.

More than 2,000 fans have travelled from Ireland from the game as O'Gara eyes a first win in all competitions since January.

On Sunday, six-time champions and holders Toulouse face Sale Sharks after top seeds from the pool stage Bordeaux-Begles host 1999's winners Ulster.

T.Resende--PC