Dickens believes Saints have the character to bounce back from Racing Metro beating
Jim Mallinder’s men were thrashed 32-8 by Racing Metro at Franklin’s Gardens last weekend in what was only their fifth defeat of the season.
The other four reverses - to Racing, Wasps, Exeter and Sale - have all been followed by stirring ripostes the following weekend.
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Hide AdAnd Dickens believes the fresh crop of players, shorn of their Six Nations stars, can stave off successive losses in the LV= Cup clash at Welford Road.
“Whether this season or last season, whenever the lads have experienced a disappointment they have bounced back the following week,” said the defence coach.
“It shows the character they’ve got that they put in a performance the following week.
“This is a great occasion and you saw how the last few games we’ve played against Leicester have been exciting and full on.
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Hide Ad“This will be a good experience for the boys playing this weekend that they go to Welford Road in front of a full house.”
Saints have named a number of Academy graduates in their squad to take on Tigers and that will only add to the passion in the away dressing room.
Dickens said: “Everyone knows what it means and that’s not just the Saints players, it’s the Tigers lads, too.
“It’s a healthy rivalry and we’ve had some great games over recent years.
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Hide Ad“We haven’t had the best results at Welford Road, but I’m not sure many teams have.
“It’s a tough, hostile place to go and hopefully the boys will enjoy it.
“The enthusiasm throughout the squad is evident. The lads have been bouncing around.
“We’ve seen a really good response from the squad and it’s a positive atmosphere.”