Northampton Saints scrum-half Alex Mitchell explained that the squad are in a ‘good spot’ ahead of their Round 15 Gallagher PREM East Midlands derby clash at Mattioli Woods Welford Road this Saturday.
Saints head into this weekend’s encounter top of the Gallagher PREM table after beating nearest rivals Bath with a dramatic last-minute Fin Smith penalty to seal a 41-38 win at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
Saturday’s hosts are fighting to remain in the top four, but with Saints having already emerged victorious in October’s reverse fixture at cinch Stadium, the experienced England international is confident that the men in Black, Green and Gold can bring an extra level to their performance this weekend.
“We’re in a good spot as a squad, confidence is high,” Mitchell explained. “The past couple of results have gone our way, but haven’t been our best performances.
“We know going into this crunch time of the season, with the run-in and the playoffs, teams always get better.
Mitchell, who is set to earn his 160th appearance in the Black, Green and Gold, has returned to full fitness following an injury he sustained on international duty in the Six Nations with England.
“I feel like my body is in a good spot,” he continued. “It takes a bit of time to get back to full match fitness, but I feel in a good spot.
“Archie [McParland] has been fantastic. It’s great to see young boys do well, and it’s great to see him play so well, and the competition is great for the squad.”
This weekend, as part of a wider Gallagher PREM trial aimed at creating bigger matchday atmospheres, hundreds of Saints supporters will be bringing the noise to Mattioli Woods Welford Road in a sold-out Away Zone, in what looks set to be a crucial crunch match in the playoff race.
“I’m really looking forward to the away end this weekend,” Mitchell added. “I think it’s something a bit different and builds a bit of atmosphere, and it’s great to trial it at a derby. It’s an extra thing to look forward to this weekend.
“The run-in is massive, it’s quite tight at the top with a lot of teams fighting for those top positions, the physicality and toughness increase as well.
“The atmosphere at Welford Road can get tricky; it does get loud. In fairness, we’re lucky enough that a lot of us have played in big atmospheres before and relish those opportunities.”