Burrell urges Saints to back up big Quins success

Centre star Burrell impressed once again as Northampton registered a 13-6 success in torrid conditions at The Stoop on Friday night.

It was another statement of intent from a side who had smashed Exeter 38-11 six days earlier and have been hotly-tipped for Premiership glory this season.

Key to achieving that will be a continuation of the fine away performances that took them to the league showpiece last season.

And with tricky trips to Gloucester and Leicester sandwiching a home clash with Sale in the next three weeks, Burrell knows Saints must maintain their high standards on the road.

“We know what it’s like to go away from home and play - you’ve got to find that extra edge,” he said. “Last year we were good on the road and it’s just about trying to back that up this year.

“To go to a place like Harlequins and win in conditions like this is massive so a massive pat on the back for the boys.

“There’s been a lot of talk about us not being able to beat teams in the top four, but we don’t really read too much into that.

“We take each game as it comes and to get a victory at Harlequins, who were title winners a couple of years ago, is a massive success for us and we’ll take it.”

Saints’ opening two performances have been built on a team spirit enhanced during a pre-season campaign that saw them win all four of their games.

And Burrell says Franklin’s Gardens is a happy place to be right now.

“It’s a good craic in the changing room,” said the former Sale Sharks player. “There’s a good vibe at the club and we’re trying to build that. We want to be mates on and off the field.

“We’ve got each other’s backs at the end of the day and we’ll take that.

“We’re not over-confident. We’ve got some good players. Stevie Myler’s really stepped up to the mark again this season, directing the boys around the park.

“We’ve got to take it week by week and keep getting these victories away from home.”