Smith praises Saints team-mate Pollock's 'absolutely unbelievable' performance
Fin Smith says Henry Pollock's performance against Leicester Tigers last Friday was one of 'a proper world-class No.8'.
Pollock racked up incredible statistics in yet another all-action display with ball in hand and in defence.
He got through the full 80 minutes to help to drive his team to a 45-31 home win, booking a place in Saturday's Gallagher PREM final against Exeter Chiefs in the process.
And England fly-half Smith, who was named player of the match, was glowing in his praise of his team-mate.
"I thought he was unbelievable - absolutely unbelievable," Smith said.
"There were a few people in our team when it got to about 60 minutes that went and really grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and you could really see the quality of the athlete.
"I thought him, Tom Pearson, Tommy Freeman - those guys, when everyone else was tired and looking round - went and got their hands on the ball.
"Henry beat a silly amount of defenders and had some huge moments getting himself over the ball.
"Credit to him for such a young guy and I said before that I felt last week we were a little bit tight, there was definitely nervousness, but he definitely wasn't feeling that at all. He played like that and fair play to him.
"They (Leicester) would have spoken about him, everyone would have spoken about him during the week so for him to go and do that…
"It wasn't all the pretty stuff either. He was out there like a proper world-class No.8, I thought.
"I'm not worried about him tightening up, that's for sure, and he's probably on the opposite end where we have to chill him out a bit.
"It's hugely helpful for a 21-year-old to sit in a meeting room when even some international players are nervous and be taking the mick out of everyone.
"He's a larger than life character and that really is invaluable.
"He brings people with him just with that energy he gives off.
"I thought he was quality - brilliant!"