Northampton have ‘killer instinct’ says skipper Reihana

NORTHAMPTON captain Bruce Reihana has warned Bourgoin the Saints’ “killer instinct” will be razor sharp in tonight’s European Challenge Cup final at The Stoop.

Northampton have not played since May 1, when they beat Saracens 16-13 to reach the final, while Bourgoin have been in Top 14 action on each of the past two weekends.

But with silverware and a place in next season’s Heineken Cup draw at stake, Reihana insisted the Saints could not be more fired up.

“This is an absolutely massive game for us,” he said.

“We have made big steps this season, particularly in the latter half when we have simply got better and better.

“We have developed that killer instinct and to win the European Challenge Cup final would finish off the season in perfect style.

“Everyone is really excited and up for the challenge. We are confident we will be in good shape and the right frame of mind for the final.

“It is a match we have been preparing extremely hard for as we know how important it is for everyone involved with the Saints.

“All the signs are that we will have up to 10,000 of our fans at the game and we certainly welcome that as we feed off their energy and enthusiasm.”

Ironically, there is a pocket of north London desperate for a Bourgoin victory.

Wasps need Bourgoin to win at The Stoop in order to sneak the last available English Heineken Cup place, while Brive require a Northampton victory for the same reason.

English clubs have dominated the Challenge Cup in recent years but Saints boss Jim Mallinder expects a fearsome challenge from Bourgoin, who have been a surprise package this year.

“Bourgoin showed when they beat London Irish that they cannot be underestimated,” said Mallinder.

“They are unbeaten in the last three weeks and have some experienced players like half-backs Morgan Parra and Benjamin Boyet who can control a game excellently, not to mention a tough pack of forwards.

“But it is a challenge we are looking forward to.”