Stephenson inspired by Six Nations memories as Saints bid to bounce back

Jim Mallinder’s men suffered a surprise 24-18 defeat to Exeter Chiefs at Franklin’s Gardens on Friday night.

It was only their second league defeat of the season and came with eight international players missing.

But Saints enjoyed a 13-match winning streak during the previous international period earlier this year and know what can be achieved without big-name players.

And Stephenson, who was a ray of light for his side on Friday, is taking belief from past achievements ahead of next Sunday’s tricky trip to Allianz Park.

“Saints prides itself on having one of the best squads in the league so there’s no excuse in having the internationals away,” said the 20-year-old centre.

“When they step out, we’ve got step in and do our jobs and get the results.

“When the Six Nations was on earlier in the year we won all our games while they were away, so we know we can do it.

“Next week is a massive task for us to go to Saracens and try to put one on them in their own yard, but we’ve got to look forward to it and get on the training field and work hard.”