Powell joined Saints from Worcester in the summer

Northampton Saints' Ryan Powell believes the club's youngsters must learn to be more patient on the field.

The 30-year-old scrum-half made his first start of the season in the 22-22 LV= Cup draw with Saracens, with the Saints side including four debutants.

Powell told BBC Radio Northampton: "I tried to give the youngsters confidence and they stepped up.

"But they'll learn from the game, sometimes you have to assess your options and build the game."

Saracens' Richard Wigglesworth was the Saints' main tormentor at Vicarage Road, scoring 17 points with the boot.

"A bit of indiscipline let us down and we could've won the game," continued Powell, "but it was a big step up for Wanderers boys."

Meanwhile, Powell said he was hoping to make the most of his first-team opportunity, with Saints first choice scrum-half, Lee Dickson, expected to be out injured for up to eight weeks with a leg fracture.

"It's unfortunate for Lee but it's my opportunity now, so I'm looking to take it with both hands," Powell said.

"I came to Northampton to put pressure on Lee, and I want to make him work to get that number nine shirt back."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version