After last weekend’s tough trip to Welford Road saw Saints come away empty handed from the midlands derby game with Leicester Tigers, all focus at the club is now turned to the return of the European Champions Cup and the return of Leinster to Franklin’s Gardens.
Dorian West says that Saints must take the frustration they felt at the end of last weekend’s game and turn it into energy as they move into tomorrow’s game with Leinster.
“It’s was difficult game to assess,” West told SaintsTV on this week’s SaintsTV Show.
“There were a good few points of the game that I was really happy with but it comes down to winning and losing and ultimately in the last ten, fifteen minutes we lost our way a little bit.
“Things didn’t quite go as we expected and we ended up losing, but we were still in the game right until the end, even had a chance of winning it up until about two or three minutes to go so it was a particularly frustrating result.”
West was, however, pleased with the fight his side showed even in defeat and hopes they can replicate that intensity tomorrow as they rally together to play their 100th game at the top-flight of European rugby, becoming only the second English side, after Leicester, to do so.
“I think the spirit we showed, particularly in defence, was great.
“We were on our line for long periods in that second half and we were working hard for each other, we dug in, got a penalty, cleared our lines and that was really pleasing to see. But ultimately it comes down to winning and losing and we lost the game.
“It’s a big game and we’ve had really good training session with the guys this week. We’ve enjoyed it, there’s been a real buzz about the players, they’re excited.
“We’ve got all of our internationals back and with them all here we’ve had some really good sessions so it’s promising for the weekend.”
West is hoping that despite a tough few weeks for the club, the supporters will fill Franklin’s Gardens with noise and get behind the players as they prepare to do battle with Leinster.
“I hope everybody sees the effort that went into that game last week.
“We were on the wrong end of the result but the effort and intention is there for us to play our best and be successful.”
