Emotions were high for prop Alex Corbisiero after making his long-awaited return from injury last weekend but the British and Irish Lion is already gearing up to get stuck into rivals Leicester Tigers.
The 25-year-old, who scored the Lions’ first try in their series–deciding third Test last summer, has not played since undergoing knee surgery last November.
But he stepped up his recovery last Saturday, appearing off the bench during Northampton Saints 74-13 win over London Wasps.
It was just his fifth Saints appearance since his move from London Irish last summer and he was quick to thank the fans for their support.
“It was massive,” Corbisiero told the Northampton Chronicle. “I’m very grateful for the response I got.
“It was pretty emotional hearing the fans. It’s been a tough five months and to be out there was amazing enough, but to hear the fans react like that was one of those special moments.”
Next up though is a home semi-final clash against Leicester Tigers on Friday and Corbisiero is under no illusions about the size of the task awaiting them.
“Make no bones about it, Leicester are going to look to take us on up front,” he added. “It’s one of the things they pride themselves on and they’ve been one of the dominant forces as a pack for a long time.
“We’re going to have to match them there, make sure our detail is right and work hard. We’re obviously going to want to get on top of them.
“We expect a big arm wrestle, a big tussle and it could go either way, but we’re going for it as well.”
