Northampton Saints director of rugby Chris Boyd has praised his side’s “clinical” first-half performance during Friday’s 35-21 Challenge Cup victory over Dragons at Rodney Parade. The bonus-point win put them level on points with the Welsh region in Pool 1 after their Round 1 defeat to two-time Challenge Cup winners, ASM Clermont Auvergne. Boyd joined Northampton Saints during the off-season after spells with Super Rugby’s Hurricanes and Sharks and the 60-year-old New Zealander highlighted his side’s excellent first half. “We lost our structure a little bit when they went down to 13 men and tried to score from every play, but I thought up till half-time we shut them down which was really pleasing,” said Boyd, speaking via Northampton Saints’ official website. https://twitter.com/SaintsRugby/status/1053616822174412800 “We talked about how they would have a lot of energy at home and we needed to take the crowd and the enthusiasm out. “We tried to be really clinical and build phases in the first half and we did that, leading 14-0 which was a pretty decent start.” Boyd also said he was delighted that England lock Courtney Lawes has agreed to extend his stay with the club until at least 2020. “That’s great for all the supporters and people that enjoy the Saints,” Boyd said. “Courtney is a world class player and a local player, his family live nice and close to Franklin’s Gardens. https://twitter.com/ERChallengeCup/status/1054787812824965120 “So we are absolutely delighted that he has chosen to stay with us for another couple of years despite having some other choices.” The 29-year-old added: “Northampton is my only club and Franklin’s Gardens is home; I was raised just down the road and the Club has always meant an enormous amount to me. “The environment Chris and the other coaches have been building over the past few months is incredibly positive and something I’m looking forward to continuing to be a part of.” “I’ve still got a lot to give to Saints and I’m excited to see what this squad can achieve together.”