Hendy hails 'absolutely phenomenal' Saints forwards after win against Cardiff

Hendy was named man of the match after a stellar individual showing in which he played a key role in creating a first-half try, scored in the second period and also delivered a stunning try-saving tackle on Josh Adams.

Conditions were tricky at DPD Stadium at Franklin's Gardens due to a downpour that lasted for much of the first half.

And that meant the Saints forwards had to get through a huge amount of work to lay the platform for a crucial opening-night win in the Investec Champions Cup.

“I don't think any of us were expecting it (the weather) to be that bad after the warm-up so we very quickly changed our game plan and what we wanted to do,” Hendy said.

“Credit to the pack because they were absolutely phenomenal in that first half in the set piece and that really put us in a good spot to close out the game in that second half.

“We always say we want to be as good as we can but the opposition are allowed to do good things as well, and they got momentum and got on top of us at times, but the way we collected ourselves as a group and got back on page was really impressive.

“It's something we've been working really hard at, especially with our form in the PREM, so it's really good to see.”

Hendy was everywhere at times as he desperately tried to get his team over the line.

And his second-half try, when Saints were down to 14 men with Anthony Belleau in the sin bin, was vital, as was his tackle on Adams soon after.

“A lot of the stuff we do at Saints is about our hard work and working for each other so it was stuff that one to 23 we do every week on the training pitch,” Hendy said.

“I was relieved to get on the end of that try and then work back for the boys.

“I thought for sure I was dropping it (before scoring the try) so I was chuffed with that. Maybe I need to do a bit more cricket during the off-season and then maybe I can take it first time next time!

“Something I've been trying to work on a lot recently is getting a bit bigger physically while not losing that speed element so I'm chuffed I've still got a little bit (of pace).”

Saints have a strong home record, and they continued that against Cardiff.

“Our emphasis at the moment is actually going away from home and putting in performances because we know our form here is so good,” Hendy said.

“Credit to the fans because they were absolutely amazing.

“We love running out here every time and it's brilliant to be part of.”

Saints now face a huge Gallagher PREM fixture at Leicester Tigers on Saturday afternoon.

And Hendy is eager to help his team back up their recent wins against Bath and Cardiff.

He said: “We knew we had to get off to a good start in this competition, we've got some pretty big games coming up in Europe, and Tigers is always a big game for us in the PREM, so we're really excited for the run up to Christmas and we just want to keep the form we've got going.”