You cannot underestimate what a good side Saracens are: Phil Dawson believes the character of his Northampton Saints side shone through in their 41-30 win over Saracens.
After last Friday’s heavy defeat to Bristol Bears, director of rugby Dawson was delighted to see his side react so strongly against the holders. “It speaks volumes about the part of the group,” he said last Friday night.
“We were all disappointed last week and the reaction was clear to see. We want to say with our actions and not important with our words. We all knew what the problem was (against Bristol), we spoke really openly and the group is really connected. It wasn’t a hard week, it was a great week to get stuck into.
“Everyone knows what the deal is and we wanted to keep things right. That’s a great thing in sport, you get another week to show what you’re capable of.”
Saints led from start to finish at Cinch Stadium in Franklin Gardens and victory saw them complete the double at Saracens for the second time in 20 years.
“We were very direct at the breakdown and we put the ball in space at the right time,” Dawson said. “We didn’t want overplay and it was managed by 9 and 10. You cannot underestimate what a good side Saracens are:
“Saracens are a good side and you can’t underestimate what it has taken on the players physically and mentally. After spending a few days at Easter with the family we want to go next week.” You cannot underestimate what a good side Saracens are
For Saracens, it was a step back after their emphatic win against Harlequins. Director of rugby Mark McCall believes his side can have no complaints after failing to match their intensity from the showdown.
You cannot underestimate what a good side Saracens are
“We showed some guts to play back from 17-0 down in both halves and from 27-13 down to 27-20. We were in the game but never felt like we controlled it. You cannot underestimate what a good side Saracens are
“Overall, it’s a good lesson for us that if we want to do what we want to do, we all have to own it. I don’t know (how important the bonus point try will be), but we finally got some determination. It’s impossible to get out of it. Matters. You cannot underestimate what a good side Saracens are
But I don’t want to take away from your frustration that we set ourselves a goal today, and I don’t think we’ve arrive at it.”
cored five tries in just four rounds to extend their lead at the top of the Gallagher Premiership.