Jim Mallinder admitted some tough talking at half-time had been crucial to Northampton's 31-27 victory over Edinburgh.
Northampton chief gets reaction after half-time dressing down
Northampton rugby director Jim Mallinder admitted some tough talking at half-time had been crucial to his side's fine 31-27 victory over Edinburgh on Saturday.
The Guinness Premiership outfit frequently found themselves on the back foot as Edinburgh ran in three first-half tries at Murrayfield.
But they battled bravely to stay in touch and then produced a powerful and disciplined showing after the break to clinch a fine away victory.
Dylan Hartley and James Downey both touched down in the first period, but it was a Paul Diggin try that moved them into a lead they were not to surrender.
Mallinder acknowledged he had been pretty forceful in making his feelings known to his players at the interval.
"I was really pleased to get that result because Edinburgh are a formidable side who have beaten some big teams so it is a big game coming to Murrayfield," he stated.
"I told our players some home truths at half time - they had to sharpen up their defence and look after the ball better although our attacking was pretty good.
"We had to stop Edinburgh's offloading game and although we had been hesitant in the first half we stepped that up after half-time.
"The try just before half-time was crucial and it showed that if we got quick ball we would score.
"Our pack played up the middle well and although there was no bonus point I was really only thinking about securing the win as we were going through the final 20 minutes."
Moffat dejected
Edinburgh's defeat followed on from their reverse at Cardiff Blues last weekend, and coach Rob Moffat conceded his side now face a huge task to progress from Pool One.
"Yes, it was a must win game and we lost again," Moffat said. "It has been very frustrating to have lost two games when you look at the effort that has been put in.
"They certainly controlled the second half and stopped us playing the game we were looking to play.
"When we had quality ball in the first half we played really well but when they stopped us playing we made some soft errors under no real pressure."
