Manoa sure on-song Saints can maintain form without international stars

RALLY CALL - Samu Manoa (Picture: Linda Dawson)

The powerhouse forward drove his side to victory last weekend, starring in a 20-16 LV= Cup success against Saracens at Franklin’s Gardens.

Manoa scored twice and helped set up the opener for James Wilson as Saints coped without a missing list that was well into double figures.

They will again be without five England players this weekend, with Wales wing George North also unavailable for club action.

And Manoa is keen to ensure he and his team-mates step up in the Premiership game at Exeter on Saturday evening as they bid to claim a ninth successive win.

“Hopefully the win we got on Saturday can carry us into the Premiership,” said the American star.

“Hopefully we can still hold it down until the big boys come back.

“You’ve just got to step it up with every game you play in every week.

“You’ve got to bring something to the table and help the boys out.”