Northampton Saints are in a ‘better place’ from their PREM Cup journey, despite missing out on reaching the final, according to head coach Sam Vesty.
Exeter Chiefs triumphed 31-14 in Sunday’s last-four showdown, as the men in Black, Green and Gold suffered only their third defeat in nine games in this year’s competition.
Across the pool and knock-out stages, Saints have seen 19 players make their debuts while other players gained precious minutes of senior rugby.
“The group that have played in this competition have stepped up and gone beyond,” Vesty said. “We’re in a much better place for having gone really well in this competition.
“If you use Amena (Caqusau) as an example — he’s not played at anything like this level before and he’s improved every week to get himself into a semi-final. You put that on repeat for so many other players and we’re going to be in a much better spot because of this run.
“Guys like Chicky (Callum Chick) needed minutes, and Archie (McParland) has taken huge confidence from this. It’s been great for us across the whole competition.”
Exeter outscored Saints by two tries to one in both halves, with the visitors’ points coming from Tom Litchfield and Charlie Ulcoq tries, with Anthony Belleau landing both conversions.
“Exeter did what they do very well, and it was a step too far for us on the day, but the experience is invaluable,” added Vesty.
Saints’ pursuit of a place in the final was dented by a first-half knee injury to free-scoring fullback George Hendy.
“He’s very sore,” said Vesty. “We’re hoping it was knee-on-knee and it’s just bled out, but we don’t know yet. Fingers crossed.”
With no final to prepare for, Saints have a match-free weekend ahead and a two-week build-up to the return of Gallagher PREM action to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens when Newcastle Red Bulls are the visitors on Saturday, March 21.
“We’re training against Coventry at the back end of the week to get a level out of our training and put ourselves in the best position to play Newcastle,” Vesty said. “I don’t think we need another game — it would be a stretch too far for a squad that’s already taken a few knocks.”