Saints star Smith admits title-winning season 'has not been the easiest'
Fin Smith admits there were times during Saints' title-winning season that he had to fake it to make it.
But it was all worthwhile as the England star helped to deliver a second Gallagher PREM crown in the space of just three seasons for the black, green and gold.
Smith admitted after last Saturday's 26-17 final win against Exeter Chiefs that he had lost some self-belief earlier in the campaign.
But he was at his best in the league showpiece as he scored during the first half and produced a crucial assist for George Hendy late in the game to make it safe for Saints.
"I probably lost a bit of confidence, I had to really tap into that mental side of it and really try and get myself up for games at times," said Smith, reflecting on the season just gone.
"I was probably feeling like I had to fake it a little bit, but that is the job of being a sportsman. You have the highs, you have the lows and I really dived deep into that into that emotional store I have had this season.
"A lot of emotions came out in the changing rooms. It has not been in the easiest season, I’ve probably enjoyed my rugby slightly more than I have this year.
"I won't dwell on it too much I will be pretty happy when I look back on this with a trophy and a medal."
When Saints needed some inspiration, Smith provided it, sliding a kick through for Hendy to finish, giving the black, green and gold some much-needed breathing space.
Smith said: "I think this time two years ago, I probably would’ve gone into my shell and wanted to not make any more mistakes.
"But I think just a bit more experience, working a lot more with (Sam) Vesty, speaking with Jonny (Wilkinson) a lot, just trying to take each moment as it comes and not dwell on what’s been and get out of my own head, let my body take over has been my message all year.
"Towards the end of the game it started to go my way a bit more."
Smith was on the end of some huge hits from the Exeter defence, but he bounced back up as he stood strong for his side.
"They’re a really good outfit," Smith said of Exeter. "They’re a big, physical side that scraps really hard.
"They’ve got a similar style to us, it was pretty back and forth.
"For whatever the reason, we couldn’t catch a cold. So that was pretty difficult, we dug deep, we leaned into the experience we have had earlier in the year, being in tight games and coming out on top in the end. That probably got us through in the end.
"We always speak about our super-strengths as a team, how much we get on with each other, and how much we care about each other, and I think on the biggest stages, when it gets a bit squeaky bum time, I think that counts for a lot and it probably got us through two finals."
Smith was so desperate to secure glory for George Furbank in what was the Saints skipper's final game for the club before he heads to Harlequins this summer.
"It feels weird saying this but every night when I went to bed and closed my eyes, I had that image of Furbs lifting that trophy just running around my head," Smith said. "It came to life. That was pretty special.
"It wasn’t the prettiest, but I couldn’t really care less to be honest.
"We’re two times champs and to give the big man a good send off is the main thing."