Steele sets heart on home draw
January 10, 2000

Director of rugby John Steele celebrated Northampton's passage into the Heineken Cup quarter-finals then immediately set his sights on securing a home draw.

The Saints won Pool F with a hard fought 27-16 victory over Grenoble, but must win next week's final match at Neath to have any chance of playing at Franklin's Gardens in the knock-out stage.

"It is very satisfying to be in the last eight because it has been a difficult European pool for us," said Steele.

"Next week will be all about trying to secure home advantage. The last eight in this competition will be eight sides of very similar ability so a home draw will be important.

"But we will underestimate Neath at our peril. Any team that plays at the Gnoll knows that is is a very physical place to go.

"Ben's try was brilliant. It epitomised his play - he has got explosive pace that can exploit a gap, but he has also got power to go with the speed."

Cohen, clutching a bottle of champagne in recognition of his try, said: "I was pleased with the try, but I think the one I scored against Grenoble in the first match was my best so far.

"All their defence was drifting one way so I went the other. I saw one of their forwards and just stepped inside. If I had not beaten him I would have taken some stick.

"This was a must-win situation for us. e did not want to go down to Neath still needing a win to qualify.''

Cohen, nephew of England's 1966 World up winner George, added: "his has been an interesting week with the England all-up.

"A lot has been happening and meeting up ith England for the first time tonight is going to be daunting.

"But I have still got a lot of work to do and have a lot of games coming up
for Northampton which I have to concentrate on."

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