Saints begin their title defence away at Bath on Friday night, who they edged 25-21 in last season's Premiership final at Twickenham in June
Saints begin their title defence away at Bath on Friday night, who they edged 25-21 in last season's Premiership final at Twickenham in Junesecret to success last season was to face head on the accusations from newcomers to the squad that they were too “soft” and easy to break.
“That was a big driving force and our defence was turned around from being soft and conceding too easily to being way more hard-nosed and abrasive. Another new voice belongs to Oli Dixon, a sports psychologist who helped Team GB’s shooters prepare for the Paris Olympics, and has been in with Saints two days a week with a remit including leadership development.
But it’s not as if Saints carried all before them last season. There were memorable victories on the road at Saracens, Exeter and Munster, and they pushed Leinster very close at Croke Park in Europe. Their galloping back division played some scintillating stuff and six of them – Dingwall, Smith, Alex Mitchell, Tommy Freeman, Ollie Sleightholme and Furbank – played for England.
“There’s Martin Johnson in that, there’s Lawrence Dallaglio, there’s Owen Farrell, there’s Michael Jordan in that – people who want to achieve greatness.” Mitchell is England’s first-choice scrum-half and he has Tom James and the hot prospects Archie McParland and Jonny Weimann as back-up.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Premiership preview: Northampton Saints begin new chapterThe defending champions have lost three hugely influential figures but still possess a talented squad.
Read more »
Northampton Saints fan takes pains to keep tattoos up-to-dateNorthampton Saints fan Simon Stacey says his tattoo of the club's new crest looks 'amazing'.
Read more »
Julia Chapman: 'No drastic changes', says new Northampton Saints CEONorthampton Saints chief executive designate Julia Chapman rules out any 'drastic changes of direction' when she takes over later this year.
Read more »
George Furbank says Northampton Saints captaincy is 'extra motivation'England full-back George Furbank says he will need to be at his best every time he steps out for Northampton Saints as the club's new captain.
Read more »
Northampton North has 'renewed' focus after Democrats' conventionNorthampton North's MP Lucy Rigby says she witnessed 'incredible' speeches by US political giants.
Read more »
Singer Billy Lockett from Northampton to compete in The VoiceThe singer from Northampton believes appearing on the show will help him reach a wider audience.
Read more »