Saints hope to march on

Nine years after the club lifted the Heineken Cup their inspirational captain makes it clear that the Connacht contest is a big match for the Saints if they are to march back to the top.

"It's a very important match," he said. "It's another step into the Heineken Cup for next year, and we want to take every chance we can and in playing rugby you want to win every game. You work hard during pre-season and work hard during the season and you play rugby to win big games. We did that against Gloucester and will have to do it again in the quarterfinal. Hopefully that can lead us into a semi-final and then who knows where.

"We were gutted losing the EDF Energy cup semi-final against Cardiff Blues because the potential was there and we didn't take our opportunities. Against Gloucester last weekend we managed to create a few more and then finish them off.
"And you can be sure there's no complacency ahead of the quarter-final and we'll be working hard to make sure it stays that way. On any given day any team can beat anyone.

"We're not going to be complacent and will be working hard during the week. Connacht have got nothing to lose coming here and we have to keep everyone honest. We owe ourselves as well as this town to do well in this competition. And it is very important our fans really get behind us - as it showed against Gloucester. A capacity crowd and good weather was just unbelievable. The feeling from the crowd is very special here when they're packed in and singing. It lifts us so much and there's nothing better. Hopefully it will be the same this weekend."