Foden and Saints learning from mistakes

And even though they will go into the game as slight favourites following their quarter-final triumph over Ulster at the same venue, Foden is taking nothing for granted after the bitter disappointments of last season.

"Everyone was talking about us last year and saying we had the chance to go on and win things. But then it was all taken away from us very quickly," admitted Foden.

"We were beaten by Munster in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals in Limerick and lost at home to Saracens in the Premiership semi-finals. It was a bitter pill to swallow and we are determined not to fall like that again

"All of a sudden we were away on our holidays while the trophies were being handed out. We are all looking forward to the summer holidays, but as professional players we play the game for days like these and we want to go as far as we possibly can.

"The Heineken Cup is a tournament I have always wanted to be a part of and one day win and the semi-final against Perpignan is going to be the biggest club game in which I have ever been involved. It is going to be hugely physical, but winning against Ulster at Milton Keynes has put us in the right frame of mind for the weekend."

Ever since home and away Pool matches were put in place way back in 1998 no team has gone through a Heineken Cup season winning every game on their way to taking the most coveted title in world club rugby. That will add to the pressure on Saints as they try to make it eight in a row and Foden knows what to expect from Perpignan.

"Their league season hasn't gone so well and so they will only have the Heineken Cup to focus on. Sunday is going to make or break their season," added Foden.

"We have put ourselves in the best possible position by winning all our games to this stage and we have learned the harsh lessons of 12 months ago. This is going to be our biggest game of the year and we have done our homework on them.

"They have some big forwards and thrive on momentum and getting the ball into the hands of players like Henry Tuilagi. Having played against them last year we know what they are capable of."