Smith: Patience paid dividends for Saints against Exeter

Hard work paid off for Northampton Saints during a gritty 26-19 victory over Exeter Chiefs, according to fly-half Fin Smith.

The 20-year-old is enjoying a superb start to life at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens following his arrival from Worcester Warriors, as he followed up an impressive debut against Bristol Bears with a man-of-the-match display against the Chiefs.

The slippery conditions on Friday evening meant it was a very different contest to the high-scoring, free-running match against Bristol, which ended 45-31 in Saints’ favour.

However, the men in Black, Green & Gold rose to the occasion and rolled their sleeves up against visitors known for being extremely effective in the tight – thanks in no small part to Smith kicking 16 points.

“I can’t imagine it was much fun to watch, nor was it to play in, but we got a good result,” said Smith.

“It was a bit slippy, a wet ball. It wasn’t a night for playing our usual chucking-the-ball-around game, it was about just staying in the kick battle.

“We had to outwork them and I felt we did outwork them by the end of the 80 [minutes], and that’s what ultimately got the result for us.

Smith will be entrusted to shoulder plenty of responsibility in the fly-half berth over the coming months with Dan Biggar departing the Club last week – but the youngster’s game management and goal-kicking really caught the eye against Exeter.

He ended his second consecutive match with a 100 per cent record from the tee, including four penalties and two conversions from Tommy Freeman’s tries, to keep Saints’ noses in front.

Smith added: “In terms of making the call to take the points, it was between me and Dingers [Fraser Dingwall] – but also when they run the tee on before we’ve got the chance to make the call!

“It was a combination of both, I don’t think it was a night for much try-scoring, so taking three points was the better option.”

Along with James Grayson, who was ruled out for Friday evening’s match through injury, Smith is set to play a key role at first receiver in the remainder of the campaign as Saints aim to qualify for the Gallagher Premiership play-offs for a second season running.

But first and foremost, the England Under-20 international is thankful to be back playing again after suddenly finding himself without a club when Worcester went into administration in September.

On life at the Gardens so far, Smith said: “It’s been unreal. Obviously, it’s been a really disappointing time with what happened with my old club, but I can’t dwell on it now.

“It’s made me super grateful to be given the opportunity to be around a rugby team and be around the boys every day.

“Coming into training and trying to get the most out of every day has been great and they’re a top group of boys, a great group of young boys who want to get better every day.

“It’s a great environment to be in and I’m absolutely loving it, it’s been amazing.”