Prop Campese Ma’afu says that the Saints have high expectations for the forthcoming season and that a victory against Bath in the opening match is “massively important”.
He also went on to say that the players are really looking forward to starting the campaign in front of a home crowd at the Gardens.
Speaking to SaintsTV, Ma’afu said: “The standards have been set, and the expectations are high.
“It’s massively important (to beat Bath). Everyone is going to be out there to see us, especially at home, against a big Bath pack and a big Bath team.
“I think the boys are just really excited to get out there and hit the ground running, start the season well, and kick us off.”
Having spent part of the summer playing in the Pacific Nations Cup with Fiji, Ma’afu said that he hadn’t done a pre-season for a few years and that whilst it has been challenging, it has been useful in terms of preparing him for the forthcoming season.
“I haven’t actually done a pre-season for the last three years! Being away with Fiji on tour, I’ve just come back to do my first proper pre-season (at the Saints). They’re probably one of the toughest pre-season teams around in the Premiership.
“It was quite challenging and tested me in a lot of areas but it’s pushed me to work really hard and get to where I need to get to.”
Tickets are still available for the Saints’ match against Bath and can be purchased online at tinyurl.com/SAI-BAT-1617
