By Ben Grundy
Trevor Davison is ready for the ‘game of the forwards’ this Saturday as Northampton Saints host Exeter Chiefs on September 28. The Saints come into the second round of the Gallagher Premiership with a defeat to their name after losing 38-16 to Bath.
Director of Rugby Phil Dowson said: “The Bath game was frustrating and disappointing in many ways. “Our thought our energy and intent was good but we just made a few too many errors, few too many penalties and we let the pressure off too many times.”
Dowson is ‘excited’ about facing the Chiefs but said: “They will be in a similar boat to us and be extremely frustrated after their game against (Leicester) Tigers. They will be wanting to right their wrongs from last week.”
The Cinch Stadium is expected to be sold out for the fixture, with the club releasing that 9000 season tickets had been sold this season. The Saints Boss said: “It speaks volumes about the club and the community and it is phenomenal and we are so grateful for the support we get here.”
Forward Trevor Davison conceded that his side were the culprits of a ‘silly few dropped balls’ in Bath. Looking ahead to the weekend, he said: “It’s a game for the forwards. If the forwards do their job then the backs should do the job for us.
With the Chiefs conceding to a Tigers’ rolling maul at the weekend, Davison said: “It’s (setpieces) one of the main things we focus on as a forward pack. We will especially focus on the set piece against Exeter, definitely.”
Juarno Augustus echoed the ideas of his teammate, stressing the challenges the visitors provide the Premiership Champions with.
He said: “This season, they (Exeter Chiefs) will have a point to prove but watching them last weekend, they have a big emphasis on defence and getting off the line.
“We have to prepare ourselves quite well for them. They have a big back line and forwards as well who try to bully other teams but I think we will be up for it and ready for it.”
“We pride ourselves in being dominant and it will be nice playing against Exeter and see where we are competitive. I can guarantee the fans we will try our best to win and put on a show for them and improve on last week’s performance.
“If we can have them (the fans) behind us then it will be even better for us.”
The Saints face the Chiefs on Saturday, September 28 at the Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, kick-off at 5.30 pm.