Opposition view: Newcastle boss 'wonderfully proud' of performance at Saints

The Gallagher PREM's bottom side, who have still only won in the league this season, caused table-topping Saints real problems at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens.

Newcastle eventually headed home with a try bonus point and a losing bonus point from the 28-27 defeat.

And Jones said: “I’m wonderfully proud of the boys for their efforts.

“I’m immensely proud of the overall effort and delighted with some of the rugby we played, even though we didn’t win the game.

“Our ability to defend and make sure we made repeated efforts was excellent, and in attack some our ball movement and work off the ball to get back into the game was excellent.

“We’ll review the video and take stock on some of the opportunities we missed – because we did miss some – but it’s hard to be too critical when the boys gave as much as they did.

“The positives are the chances we created, and we as coaches can work with the squad to improve on those technical areas which could ultimately be the difference.

"But I don’t want to be too negative after what was a really encouraging performance, and the boys should be proud of that.”

Jones added: “The two bonus points are a bit of consolation, and I loved the way the boys kept attacking at the end.

“We had options on both sides of the ruck, we were full of attacking threat and that element was really pleasing.

“Receiving two yellow cards which took us down to 13 men is hugely disappointing.

“We need to get that out of our game, and we will get that out of our game, but on the flip side I thought the 13 guys actually rallied really well and coped with that situation as best they could.

"We were smart with the clock, we kept hold of the ball, and we actually caused difficulties for the Northampton defence despite being two men down.

“The reality is we don’t want to be in that situation again, so we will work on it, but yeah, I thought we adapted well on the day.”