Todaro hat-trick seals Saints home last-16 tie

Investec Champions Cup

Northampton (19) 43

Todaro 3, Sleightholme, Wright, Chick Cons: Belleau 5 Pen: Belleau

Scarlets (14) 28

Todoros’ first-half hat-trick helped Northampton Saints end Scarlets’ last-16 home match with a victory in the Investec Champions Cup.

In front of a home crowd, the 19-year-old, who was capped by Italy in November, demonstrated his sharp finishing prowess with all three tries.

After scoring by Ryan Elias and Archie Hughes, Scarlets, who needed a bonus-point win to advance to the last 16, had an advantage of 14-7.

Ollie Sleightholme and Craig Wright scored the hosts’ first-half tries, but they eventually took control.

Sam Costelow, the Scarlets fly-half, converted his own try and set up Jac Davies for a grandstand finish.

However, Callum Chick scored the final try for Phil Dowson’s side, who lost to Bordeaux in the final game of the previous season.

Northampton now sit second in Pool 4 after defeat by Bristol Bears at 27-15.

The United Rugby Championship’s bottom team, led by Dwayne Peel, continues their poor season by finishing last in Pool 4. They are also unable to qualify for a Challenge Cup.

Scarlets needed a bonus-point win to advance to the knockout stages following Pau’s defeat on Friday against South African side Bulls.

As Taine Plumtree slammed down Alex Mitchell’s box kick to reward a quick start from the visitors, it was obvious that tries were in order.

Scarlets continued to play with confidence despite Todaro’s response, releasing Ellis Mee up the wing before he foiled Alex Mitchell and set up Hughes.

However, Todaro’s electric wing refired again after some clever footwork and slammed over in the corner.

Todaro was born in Italy and represented Italy’s Under-20 team last year despite having attended England’s school.

In September, his senior Italy debut was made against Chile with four tries in his first five Prem games.

Todaro is surprisingly strong and powerful given his size, having also played at center and full-back last season.

He performed excellent work-rate just before the break to complete James Ramm’s offload and record a deserved hat-trick.

In the second half, Todaro struggled, but he did pinch the ball late in the game, which resulted in Anthony Belleau’s late penalty.

Todaro, the player of the match, told Premier Sports, “I have enjoyed every second of this season and every opportunity I have.”

“I’m just happy to be here, and I have some Italian friends.

Replacements: Hendy, McParland, Pater, Millar-Mills, Lockett, and Wright.

Scarlets: Anderson, J. Davies, Mee, James, Hawkins, Murray, Costelow, Hughes, Mathias, Elias, Thomas, Douglas, Ball, Plumtree, and James Hawkins (captain).

Van der Merwe, Hepburn, Taylor, Davis, G Davies, Page, Lewis, and others.

Vincent Blasco Baque (Fra), and Flavien Hourquet (Fra), as assistant referees.