Saints rookie gleaming after Euro job
Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:52
The European Challenge Cup opener at Toulon on Thursday will live long in the memory of Northampton's Senior Academy forward, Courtney Lawes, after a thrilling 56-3 victory for the Saints.
After making his season bow in the EDF Energy Cup match against Bristol last weekend, Lawes retained his place for the trip to the south of France and thoroughly enjoyed his first taste of competitive European rugby.
"It was exciting. I was a bit nervous to be honest but once you get out there it was just another game," Lawes said.
"It was definitely a tough crowd but it all went well. Westy said the fans would have a go at us so I was pretty prepared for it.
"It's always good to play, especially in front of a big crowd for the first team. Hopefully I can keep getting in there and keep getting better."
Lawes has certainly demonstrated his versatility in the past few days, turning out at blindside flank against Bristol and then in the second row against Toulon. While he says he prefers the back row he also is just happy to be playing first team rugby.
"I definitely prefer No.6, the second row doesn't do much for your looks!" he said.
"But I don't mind either way as long as I get first team games and keep improving. Ignacio [Lobbe] helped me a lot tonight. He's experienced and it's always good to play with someone like that. He keeps you switched on and tells you what to do and when to do it."
Lawes also got the approval of Saints Director Jim Mallinder, who was pleased with the utility forward's performance.
"It was a big ask for Courtney," Mallinder said.
"France is a difficult place to play, especially when you are making your European debut, and he stepped up well. He is still learning the game and last night's game was another steep learning curve."
The Saints may have announced their return to European action with their biggest away win in the tournament, but Mallinder made sure to keep everyone's feet on the ground after the game.
"It is one good win away from home, but we have a difficult game to come next week against Montpellier," Mallinder added, who won the Challenge Cup during his time as a coach at Sale Sharks.
Saints are in the toughest Pool in the tournament with two English and two French sides battling for the right to reach the quarterfinals. But a bonus point victory in their first game was the perfect start for the 2000 Heineken Cup winners.
"I'm absolutely delighted to come to the south of France and pick up a win like that. I thought our defence was very good and we cut them down and competed for the ball," said Mallinder.
"We always knew we could win whatever team they picked - we weren't worried by their big names. We need to build momentum through winning and it's great to have finally won away from home this season."
With thanks to northamptonsaints.co.uk and ercrugby.com
