Dickens replaced Lee Dickson after 29 minutes against Bordeaux

Northampton Saints' Alan Dickens says that victory in Bordeaux was a "valuable" exercise in pre-season.

Saints beat Bordeaux-Begles 19-14, with tries from Diggin, Lobbe and Ashton.

"It's been a hard week so it's valuable to get out there. The majority of the players got 40 minutes," scrum-half Dickens told the club's website.

"But it's not just about the game, it's about the week. We've had some young guys and new guys come into the squad. They need to get to know us."

He added: "We've done a lot of rugby - two rugby sessions a day on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and another this morning - and on top of that we've had recovery and weights sessions.

Everyone wants a starting place this year Alan Dickens

Dickens also praised the young players who had taken part in the win over Bordeaux.

"Christian Lewis-Pratt was excellent. He was involved two or three times in Chris Ashton's try and showed good composure on the ball. He's obviously skilful enough or else he wouldn't be in the Saints Academy.

"All the young guys stood up. Grant Pointer at full back was excellent, running hard and safe under the high ball," Dickens added.

"In the second half, we had James Cannon, Jon Vickers and Alex Waller, and the scrum didn't change when they came on, which reflects well on them.

"Everyone wants a starting place this year."

The Saints are next in action against Bedford Blues on Friday 21st August at 1930 BST, and Rotherham Titans on Saturday 22nd August at 1500 BST.

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