Centre Luther Burrell said that the Saints’ performance on Saturday was frustrating and that ultimately ill-discipline cost them the chance to get their season off to the best start.
“It was very frustrating. I think we were very disappointed because we got off to a very good start.” Burrell told SaintsTV.
“Our tempo and our game plan and how we wanted to start the season was brilliant throughout the first 20 minutes of that game and then through the middle part we just lacked a bit of direction and Bath just kept chipping away at the scoreboard, putting themselves in the right areas of the field. Obviously in those sorts of conditions, when it’s chucking it down with rain to go nine points down against a quality team like that is always going to be difficult for us to come back.
“We wanted to get out and start the season with a big win and unfortunately we’ve not done that. But it’s not all doom and gloom. In part of that game we were very good and I think Bath didn’t really look like scoring [a try]. Our defence was fantastic but just a little bit of ill-discipline and coughing up the ball at crucial areas of the field let us down today.
“We’ll address our game plan throughout the week. It’s going to be a tough, tough ask to go down to Bristol and get the win but one thing Northampton is good at is bouncing back.”
Speaking about leading the side out for his 100th game for the club, Burrell added that it was a bitter-sweet experience.
“I was very, very emotional. Before the game, I was very quiet because it meant so much to me,” he commented.
“It’s slightly overshadowed now because we didn’t get the win but I just want to thank Jim, I want to thank the coaches, I want to thank the backroom staff and the lads for supporting me over the past four seasons.
“It’s a huge milestone for me and I’m thoroughly proud to be part of a great club. But not just everyone involved with the club, I want to thank the fans and everybody else for getting behind me. It’s a huge achievement and this is a great club with a lot of history behind it and to be part of that is very special. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the win but I’ve hit a milestone with the club and I’m very, very proud of that.”
