Graham: Guys were in tears after that defeat but we'll fight ba

SAM Graham believes Northampton can turn the heartache of losing last weekend’s Champions Cup semi-final to their advantage as they set their sights on the Premiership title.

- PAUL REES 

The Saints recovered from a slow start in Dublin to trail by three points in the closing minutes and forced Leinster, who had won the previous five meetings between the teams by large margins, to dig deep.

“Guys were in tears at the end,” said back rower Graham. “Everyone gave absolutely everything. It was gutting to lose but we can turn it into a positive. Not many gave us a hope but every person in the group believed we would win. We showed how much we have grown as a team.”

Graham joined Northampton last season from Doncaster. Despite the back row riches at Franklin’s Gardens, he has been a virtual ever-present in Northampton’s matchday 23 this campaign, playing across the back row.

“I have loved the season,” said the 26-year-old who captained the Knights. “There is nothing better than playing week in, week out. I have had to work hard on my defence, a part of the game I really love, but I would like to get the ball in my hands a bit more.

“The coaches have driven my game on. It is so competitive in the back row here and you have to keep moving forward because everyone is as keen as you are to wear the jersey.