Saints prop Ma’afu targeting Dublin repeat at Ospreys

Ma’afu was part of the Northampton team that slayed Leinster at the Aviva Stadium last month, claiming an 18-9 win.

It was a stunning performance from Saints, keeping them in the hunt for a place in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals.

They are currently four points adrift of Leinster with two games to go, and Ma’afu knows he and his team-mates must maintain the level of performance that saw them to victory last month.

“That win in Dublin was the benchmark for us and the guys were really happy to come away with a good performance and a win,” he said.

“Not many teams come away with that there.

“We’re looking to do the same thing this weekend but it’s easier said than done.

“We’re going to need to be on our game this weekend to put in a good performance and come away with a good result.”

Saints will need a favour from either Castres or Ospreys if they are to make the quarter-finals, as Leinster will be guaranteed qualification if they beat those teams in their remaining two fixtures.

But Ma’afu says the mood among the Northampton squad is upbeat, stressing that they are putting thoughts of a place in the last eight to the back of their minds.

“There’s a lot of confidence and belief in the squad but it is not something that’s really talked about,” he said.

“We’ve got a belief in our game plan and if we stick to that then everything is going to be okay.

“Making the quarter-finals is not something we draw up on the walls. It’s just about the work we do and keeping that belief and confidence.”