Saints prop Ehren Painter says the side must create momentum after a late Wasps penalty try proved too much for Northampton to overcome in their first home match of the season.
Turning out on home soil for the first time competitively this term, Saints had a point to prove following last weekend’s disappointing loss at Sale Sharks in the opening round of the Premiership Rugby Cup, but the home side ultimately ended up on the wrong end of the 36-32 scoreline.
And while Saints produced flashes of brilliance, Painter insists that the side must improve its discipline – following Taqele Naiayaravoro’s unfortunate second yellow card during the match – to start turning those flashes into wins.
“All roads lead to the Gallagher Premiership now and we need to start getting some more momentum.”
Ehren Painter
“It was a tough game,” the 21-year-old said after the final whistle had blown.
“I felt like we controlled 80 per cent of it but credit to Wasps because they just kept applying pressure and they took their opportunities.
“When stuff doesn't go your way, like the two yellows and red card, you want to try to adapt, but the second one was just a bit too much.”
Despite the full-time score, Painter says that Chris Boyd’s side can take a lot from Saturday’s performance and put it to good use as they build towards the start of the Gallagher Premiership.
“The game at Sale was pretty tough and I feel like we improved from that.
“All roads lead to Saracens in the Gallagher Premiership now and we need to start getting some more momentum.”
And after making just his 20th appearance – and 10th start – in Black, Green and Gold yesterday, the prop said he relished being back in front of the vocal Franklin’s crowd.
“It's always an honour and a privilege to run out at the Gardens.
“It was lovely to be back playing alongside the boys, but we need to start turning these performances into wins.”
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