JAMES Ramm believes Northampton’s exploits in the Champions Cup will boost their bid to not only make the Premiership play-offs again but secure a home draw.
Leaders Saints return to league action next weekend when East Midlands rivals Leicester visit Franklin’s Gardens, a ground where they have not lost in the Premiership since 2019.
Northampton went into last night’s home Champions Cup quarter-final clash with the Bulls having won all five of their matches in the tournament this season, a run that included victories at Glasgow and Munster, a tense tussle with Toulon at Franklin’s Gardens and a second victory over Munster last week in the last 16.
“Our form in the Champions Cup reflected all the hard work going on behind the scenes,” said Ramm, who is equally at home on the wing as he is at full-back. “Before this season, we struggled in Europe, hanging our hat on our attacking approach.
“We now have an allcourt game, maintaining our identity and flair while improving other aspects. Our defence has come on leaps and bounds and we kick the ball a fair bit, something you do not associate with us because of our attacking image.
“We have kept what we are good at and worked hard on areas that needed attention. The start against Munster last week was an important part of the game. They came at us and we showed that we were up for the fight and were not going anywhere. It paid off in the last 20 minutes.
“We have to take this on to the Premiership stage and doing well against class teams has gives us confidence in our game, our identity and what we are striving for this season.”
Ramm missed four months of the campaign after suffering a knee injury during the victory over Harlequins in November. He profited from the Premiership game and returned against Bristol when the league resumed.
“That evening was a shock because I had only played a few minutes in a warm-up game,” said the 25-year old Ramm who joined Northampton from the Waratahs two years ago. “Training is one thing but you need to be up to match intensity to execute your skills at speed.
“It always takes a couple of games to get back up to speed when you have been out for a long period,” added Ramm who scored two tries in the 41-30 victory over Saracens last month and another against Munster last week.
“When you know you will be out injured for a while you reflect on things that’s will get you through it. You have to be positive during a period that can be a grind and the reward is
