Josh Kemeny is seeing this weekend’s trip to Bristol Bears as an ‘opportunity’, as Northampton Saints bid to get their away campaign off to a winning start.
While an unbeaten league season at DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens was the backbone of Saints’ Gallagher PREM title success last term, six wins on the road were also pivotal to them leading from the front and securing a Home Play-Off tie.
One of the three sides to claim a league win over the men in Black, Green and Gold last term, Bristol, is the team’s first away day destination this term – and the 27-year-old is relishing the opportunity to take to the field at Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon.
“We’ve not had our best record against them for a number of years and I’ve never won there,” said the Australian forward. “But we’re definitely going to frame it as an opportunity and something we’re excited to correct.
“They’re a team we try to know what they’re going to bring and if you let them get into their game, they can be pretty devastating.
“It’s definitely an exciting team I like to play and I’m really looking forward to it.
Kemeny played a key role in Saints’ opening round victory over Newcastle Red Bulls, most notably providing the assist for Tommy Freeman’s hat-trick sealing try when he latched onto Henry Pollock’s grubber through and skilfully popped to the on-rushing winger.
It was at the extravagant end of evidencing Saints’ back row balance, which proved pivotal in the 59-26 victory.
“That’s a really good word because we are very proud of it,” added the flanker.
“Firstly, it’s a very tight-knit group, a group that pushes each other to be better but also that really competes against each other. I'm really grateful to be a part of it.”
With eight minutes remaining he was replaced by Saints’ latest back row recruit, Josh Taylor, who made his PREM debut having impressed during the PREM Cup matches that came before the league commencing.
And the former Ealing Trailfinders forward has impressed his back-row colleague Kemeny. He said: “Josh has really put his best foot forward.
“He’s a physical guy, a skilful guy, an athletic guy and someone who fits into the group really.”