Brian Moore believes that the Heineken Cup final could be one game too far for Northampton, and that Manu Tuilagi should be banned for his attack on Chris Ashton, in The Daily Telegraph.
"It looks like a case of two bridges too far for Jim Mallinder’s troops from Franklin Gardens. In another physical battle, Northampton could not be criticised for their effort but, in the end, looked exhausted as Leicester pressured the creative life out of their game. Their minds may be willing when they face Leinster in next Saturday’s Heineken Cup final but there has to be a doubt as to whether their bodies will respond to the physical challenge that the Irish forwards will undoubtedly issue.
"It would be a shame to see Northampton emerge from this season with nothing other than a few plaudits for their attempts to excite, but sport, as life, is not fair and it is probable that they will have to settle for this rather than silverware. It may not be the same for their East Midland’s neighbours and conquerors Leicester, who have the all-round game to cope with the attrition of Saracens, who beat Gloucester in the other semi-final."
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