Northampton forwards coach Dorian West frustrated despite win over London Welsh
Saturday 24 November 2012 19:42, UK
Image:Dorian West: Mixed showing by the Saints
Northampton forwards coach Dorian West was left frustrated despite his team's much-needed win over London Welsh.
West was hopeful England stars Dylan Hartley and Ben Foden would be available for next weekend's Aviva Premiership clash at Sale Sharks.
Hartley has missed England's first three autumn internationals with a knee injury along with team-mate Courtney Lawes, though the powerful lock returned to action on Saturday for the Saints.
Foden has been out since October 14 after needing an operation on a severely sprained ankle.
West admitted Lawes, replaced after 59 minutes, was a little rusty but he came through unscathed and is ready if England need him against New Zealand next week.
West said: "It is never nice to be without your best players. Courtney gave us a lot of different options.
He is somebody you like to have in your team and I am sure the opposition see his name on the teamsheet and it gives them a bit of a worry. He was slightly rusty, but we will train hard this week and see where he is.
"We are pretty hopeful that Dylan, Ben Foden and George Pisi will be available next week. We need to be at our best next week at Sale. Lee has a sore shoulder and we are very hopeful it won't take long to get it right."
