Ben Foden warns Ulster that revenge and a surprise are on Saints’ agenda

BEN FODEN has warned Ulster that Northampton are ready to defy expectations as they seek to reignite their Heineken Cup ambitions.

Saints dropped to third in Pool Four after being thumped 25-6 at Franklin’s Gardens by last season’s beaten finalists seven days ago and must prevail in the return fixture at Ravenhill if they to have any hope of progressing.

Runaway RaboDirect PRO12 leaders Ulster enter today’s showdown on the back of 13 successive wins and are unbeaten at home in Europe since 2008.

The odds are heavily stacked against Saints staying in the hunt for qualification, but England full-back Foden insists they tend to thrive when written off.

“Losing to Ulster stung so much because we were at home and conceded four tries,” said Foden.

“The performance let us down, as individuals and as a team. There is no finger pointing, we sat down and took the blame as a team, and we know we have to make things better.

“It is a big ask to go to Ravenhill and beat an undefeated side.

“A lot of people will write us off, which is probably a good thing, but we are at our most dangerous when teams take us for granted. We will be looking to put in a big performance.”