Waller ‘hurt’ by Exeter defeat but says Saints will learn from experience

Northampton suffered a 15-8 loss against Exeter Chiefs at the west country outfit’s Sandy Park home.

It was a fourth final defeat in as many years for Saints, but they remain in the hunt for Aviva Premiership and Amlin Challenge Cup glory.

And Waller wants his team-mates to bounce back quickly as they bid to end their four-year wait for a trophy.

“We’ve just got to take it as it comes,” said the loosehead prop.

“Exeter played some fantastic rugby and they won the trophy fair and square.

“It hurts the boys and it hurts me to do this interview after losing, but we can’t let it define our season. We have to learn from this and move on.”

Saints, who return to Aviva Premiership action at Sale on Saturday, had enjoyed a 13-match winning streak going into the LV= Cup final, but that was ruined by a determined Exeter side.

Waller felt he and his team-mates put in a below-par performance and was left to rue one that got away.

“The lads are disappointed but if we take a hard, honest look at ourselves we just didn’t turn up as we should have done,” he said.

“I can’t question the commitment from the lads, I just don’t think that accuracy was there for us.

“Credit to Exeter, they did play some very good rugby and we did struggle to defend against it.

“Not taking anything away from them, but I don’t think we were at our best.”