Northampton Saints’ second defeat of the Gallagher PREM season – where they were defeated 28-7 by Leicester Tigers – was what Phil Dowson called a ‘very bitter pill’ for his side to swallow.
Saints had lead 3-7 at the break, thanks to James Pater’s opportunistic score and Fin Smith’s conversion, but failed to fire a shot in the second 40 minutes and conceded 25 unanswered points to fall to a seventh straight loss at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
“It’s a very bitter pill, and difficult to come to terms with that second half in particular,” said Director of Rugby, Dowson, after the result.
“We didn’t necessarily control that kicking game as well as we have been; the set piece penalty count was very high, and we didn’t manage to produce enough quick ball. We gave them loads of opportunities to score in our 22, and Tigers are very good at that.
Storm Boelo made conditions in Leicester tricky for both sides, but it was Northampton that failed to react to the wet and windy weather in the second half – with handling errors and ill-discipline creeping in for Saints and stifling any attacking opportunities they had.
“We play a winter sport, so we have to get used to that,” Dowson continued. “We can’t worry about the conditions. We didn’t work that out very quickly enough against Tigers, so we need to be better at it moving forward.
“Tigers certainly had the momentum throughout the second half, and our actions were neither accurate nor aggressive enough, so that cost us.”
Saints must lick their wounds and turn their attention quickly to the PREM’s Round 5 as they host Gloucester Rugby at DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens before the PREM takes a hiatus during the international window.
On Saturday’s upcoming fixture, Dowson added: “I watched their game against Bath on Friday night, and they’re full of confidence, Gloucester are absolutely flying.
“They’re a very good side, and they’ll be carrying some momentum, so we need to make sure we pick ourselves up from this disappointment and get ready for that.”