Planet Rugby

Team comes first for Artemyev

19th September 2012 19:53

Vasily Artemyev

Not bothered: Vasily Artemyev

Northampton wing Vasily Artemyev is willing to sacrifice personal glory for the greater good of the Saints as they enjoy their unbeatean start to 2012/13.

Despite an electric start to his English career last season when he scored six tries in his opening three games, Artemyev has yet to score this term.

But the 25-year-old - who was the first Russian international to play in the Premiership - is part of Saints' much-improved start to the campaign.

"It doesn't bother me at all to be honest," he said.

"I have faith that the tries will come but it matters more that the team gets the results and that's what we've been doing.

"As long as I am involved in the team and playing regularly and contributing, that is what is important.

"I am sure that if I keep doing what I'm doing then the opportunities will come for me, I don't really think it's a case of the opposition know how to play against me.

"We've had three wins but we've had to show character because all of them have been very close right up to the end.

"Now we have two home matches. It's always nice to play at the Gardens but that does bring added expectation and pressure so we have to be at the top of our game."

Jim Mallinder's side take on Worcester this weekend and will be missing experienced England full-back Ben Foden, who is sidelined for several weeks with an ankle problem

But while Artemyev admits Foden's loss comes as a blow, he is convinced New Zealander James Wilson, who is expected to get the nod at full-back, can fill the void at the Gardens.

"It's a shame but there is a lot of competition for places," he added.

"Some players left last season and so maybe Northampton were not fancied by everyone this year but we have made a great start this year.

"James Wilson is a great player and he will come in and do a great job. We have a lot of strength in the backs and I think everyone who has played has done well so far."

Rugby Union betting odds

Comments

Be the first to comment on this story..


Character Count : 0/1900

  • Aviva Prem Fixtures
Forthcoming Fixtures
FixtureDetails
All times are local
Aviva Premiership
Saturday , May 25
Leicester vs Northampton15:00
More Aviva Premiership fixtures
  • Aviva Prem Results
Recent Results
FixtureDetails
All times are local
Aviva Premiership
Sunday , May 12
Saracens 13 - 27 NorthamptonSaracens vs Northampton Report
Saturday , May 11
Leicester 33 - 16 HarlequinsLeicester vs Harlequins Report
Saturday , May 4
Saracens 23 - 14 BathSaracens vs Bath Report
Exeter 40 - 39 GloucesterExeter vs Gloucester Report
Leicester 32 - 20 London IrishLeicester vs London Irish Report
London Welsh 33 - 22 WorcesterLondon Welsh vs Worcester Report
Harlequins 22 - 19 NorthamptonHarlequins vs Northampton Report
Sale 21 - 20 WaspsSale vs Wasps Report
Sunday , April 21
Wasps 24 - 37 Exeter
Saturday , April 20
Bath 27 - 26 Leicester
More Aviva Premiership results
  • Aviva Prem Table
Aviva Premiership Table
PosTeamPPts
1Saracens2277
2Leicester Tigers2274
3Harlequins2269
4Northampton2265
5Gloucester2260