Fraser Dingwall Eyes Saints' Comeback: A Pivotal East Midlands Derby Ahead

Fraser Dingwall in action for Northampton Saints.

As the Premiership Rugby season intensifies, Northampton Saints' centre Fraser Dingwall is gearing up to play a pivotal role in the upcoming East Midlands derby against Leicester Tigers. After participating in two of England's five games during the Six Nations, Dingwall is eager to bring his international experience back to his club, hoping to spark a much-needed winning streak.

The Challenge Ahead

The Saints are currently trailing in the league table, and the pressure is mounting. With the derby set for Friday, Dingwall and his team are aware of the high stakes. "Every game now is massive for us," Dingwall stated in an interview with BBC Radio Northampton. "Coming from Test rugby, the intensity of a derby is exactly what we need to regain our momentum."

Tactical Insights

Phil Dowson, the Director of Rugby, faces the challenge of managing player fatigue after the Six Nations. However, Dingwall, who has made 10 appearances this season, feels fit and ready to contribute. "I don’t feel like I need time off," he remarked. "I'm keen to get stuck straight back in and help turn our season around."

The team’s strategy will heavily rely on players like Fin Smith, who is set to start, while managing the absence of key players such as Tommy Freeman, Alex Mitchell, and the injured Ollie Sleightholme.

Learning from Past Encounters

Reflecting on their previous loss to Leicester, where the Saints crossed the try line multiple times without scoring, Dingwall expressed determination. "That game was gutting," he admitted. "We’re keen to right some wrongs this Friday."

Dingwall’s Role and Mindset

Described as a 'glue player' by England coach Steve Borthwick, Dingwall’s role extends beyond scoring tries. "My main involvement is to make the team function as best as they can," he said. "Bringing out the best in the talented players around me is what I aim to do."