Every game like a final – Hartley

HEINEKEN CUP SEMI-FINAL
Venue: Stadium MK Date: Sunday 1 May Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage: Updates on BBC Radio 5 Live, Radio Northampton & the BBC Sport website. Live on Sky Sports 2/HD2.

Hartley said he did not fear his team’s lack of experience

Dylan Hartley says Northampton’s double disappointment last season has taught them a lesson as they prepare for their Heineken Cup semi-final with Perpignan.

Last year they lost in the Premiership semi-finals and the last eight of the Heineken Cup in quick succession.

“We had a Premiership semi-final and Cup quarter-final then within a week it was over – see you next year,” he said.

“Luckily we’re in the same position this year and we have refocused. Every week is like a cup final for us now.”

The Saints are England’s last representatives in Europe’s top competition this season, and face French side Perpignan in Milton Keynes on Sunday.

“We have everything to play for and the motivation is there,” said Northampton captain Hartley.

“It is quite good to sit back and look at these games coming because if you don’t win them you are off on holiday next week really.”

Saints are perceived as inexperienced underdogs against the French side who were beaten finalists in 2003, but Hartley said he was not concerned.

“I spoke to the lads earlier in the week and kind of went around the room,” he said.

“Very few had even got to a quarter-final so this is a big thing for this group of players and it is exciting.

“The inexperience does not worry me, I think we learned enough last year.

“I think in knockout rugby this is the sort of team that can turn up and win any game.”