Saints have since learned they will face Exeter Chiefs on Saturday 20 June at Allianz Stadium, following their triumph over Bath in Saturday’s second play‑off encounter — another side with a heavyweight pack akin to the one that travelled to Northamptonshire on Friday evening.
The England and British & Irish Lions star admitted that some nerves had crept into the camp ahead of facing Saints’ oldest rivals.
“Whether we like to admit it or not, we were particularly nervous this week because Leicester, with the style they play, are a tough match‑up for us,” he said. “They’ve got a real power game and, when we’re on it, we can live with that — but we knew we had to be right at our best to go with them.
“Credit to their pack, their front five — they’ve got some quality operators in there — and our pack did a good job sticking with them.
“Their England boys are outstanding, and knowing those lads as well, I know how much they live for that derby. It’s a massive thing for them.
“Particularly Billy Searle and Freddie Steward coming off touch‑and‑go injuries — both probably weren’t expecting to play in this game, but both were exceptional. To come back in having not played much rugby and put in a performance like that is credit to them.”