Ansbro analysis is a case for defence
As well as the four points, another positive for Saints at Sale was their bench as they head into the business end of the season.
It is often said the sign of a side's strength is their bench – well Saints' is looking stronger than ever.
Sitting in the front row at Edgeley Park, there was Australian international lock Dan Vickerman, England Saxons Phil Dowson and Jon Clarke, England centre Shane Geraghty and veteran international front-rows Andy Long and Darren Morris.
Clarke's inclusion on the bench just shows the competition in the
squad.
One slight injury, one game missed, and Clarke has lost his place to Joe Ansbro.
The Scotland A centre put in another strong showing at Sale, having a hand in Chris Ashton's try and putting in plenty of timely tackles.
Ansbro's defence has been superb in the past two games, especially when sides send their big men at the 13. Ansbro chops them down with a sound technique, showing them the outside and then wrapping himself around their shins. It did for big No.8 Sisa Koyamaibole at Sale as it did for Leicester's Jordan Crane, Lote Tuqiri and Alesana Tuilagi. All big men felled by the 14st 7lb former Cambridge blue.
Though modest Ansbro still feels there is room for improvement in his defence.
"Even in training I have absolute shockers," said Ansbro.
"But if I am switched on and make the first couple of tackles it does so much for your confidence. You just think you are invincible.
"I do like a side-on tackle and I was getting that opportunity against the Tigers.
"But in terms of defence there is still so much to work on.
"Only this week I was put on my backside by Clarkey (Jon Clarke) and did a backwards roll. He absolutely did me.
"I am delighted when I have a good defensive game, but I am still working on it and I'm always looking to improve.
"I tackled Ben Cohen on Sunday and he went over to score, hopefully as I develop and get stronger I will be able to stop those tries, he is after all a big guy."
A typical piece of self-criticism from Ansbro, but in a position where Saints also have Chris Mayor waiting in the wings, the 24-year-old believes such an attitude is vital to retain your place.
"You have got to look at every game you play closely," said Ansbro. "There are guys who are playing well, especially in my position.
"So you have got to analyse how you've played and work on things.
"If I don't have a good game there is somebody else who can do a job."
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Weather for Kettering
Sunday 27 May 2012
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