Lawes: Saints will have to dig deep to beat Harlequins

Northampton head to Harlequins with both sides having won their opening game in this season’s Aviva Premiership.

Saints showed their style in a 38-11 demolition of Exeter Chiefs, while Quins survived a late scare to see off Wasps at Twickenham.

The two teams are expected to fight it out for spots in the top four this season and Lawes knows how stiff a challenge Conor O’Shea’s men will pose this week.

“There’s no team in the Prem who are walkovers so you’ve got to be prepared for battle every weekend and the next one is certainly no different,” he said.

“They’re going to be tough and we’ll have to dig in but we’ve got good camaraderie at the minute and I’m sure we’ll able pull through.”

Saints, boosted by the presence of summer signings such as George North and Alex Corbisiero, head to Quins in good spirits.

And England lock Lawes said: “We’ve had a lot of big signings, some really crucial players come in and players like big Samu (Manoa) who are still on good form from last year.

“We’ve also got players coming back into form and injuries so there’s a good feeling at the moment.

“The competition for places is fantastic. It’s going to make you a better player, it makes everyone better and it is what you need.”