Pollock promises Saints 'fight' against Leinster

Henry Pollock has scored three tries in his past two European appearances for Northampton Saints

England flanker Henry Pollock has "promised" that Northampton Saints will "put up a fight" when they meet favourites Leinster in their Investec Champions Cup semi-final.

Saints cruised past Castres in Saturday's quarter-final at Franklin's Gardens to set up a rematch with the Irish province, who thrashed United Rugby Championship winners Glasgow Warriors to reach the last four on Friday.

Four-time winners Leinster edged past the Premiership side at the same stage of the competition last year and will be favourites to reach a fourth consecutive final next month, but Pollock says Saints want to prove their doubters wrong.

"Leinster are a massive outfit and they have some amazing players, but one thing we pride ourselves on is how tight we are as a group," Pollock told BBC Radio Northampton.

"We will be buzzing for that game and we will build for it.

"Many people will probably write us off but I promise you we'll go there and put up a fight."

Pollock has enjoyed a stellar rise in his breakthrough season after making his Champions Cup debut last December before winning his first Test cap in England's final Six Nations game with Wales.

The exuberant back row scored two second-half tries before pointing at the home crowd and imitating a basketball shot in celebration during Northampton's dominant win over Castres, but Saints' director of rugby Phil Dowson said he does not want to diminish his young starlet's personality.

"It's great when he is on your side and you want that character and for people to be themselves," said Dowson.

"I watched Leinster's game last night and it was incredibly impressive. Glasgow are a very good side and are URC champions, but they [Leinster] were ruthless.

"Clearly they have world class talent in the group and are playing well, but they are the challenges we have signed up for and want to enjoy."