Freeman 'in cement at some points' as Saints prevail in 'proper fight' against Gloucester
Tommy Freeman admits he was 'in cement at some points' such was the strength of Gloucester's defence against Saints on Saturday evening.
But the England star was delighted to help his side prevail in a game that he labelled 'a proper fight'.
Saints were 14-0 down with 34 minutes on the clock, having really struggled to find a way through the resilient Gloucester rearguard.
But two big lineout drives before the break led to tries for Tom Pearson and Curtis Langdon, helping Saints to level the scores as they headed in for half-time.
The black, green and gold then delivered a statement second-half showing, scoring another 14 unanswered points, holding Gloucester scoreless in a crucial 28-14 bonus-point success.
And Freeman said: "That was a proper fight, a proper Saturday night under the lights.
"It was wintery, dewy and it was definitely a scrap.
"At half-time, with it being 14-14, I felt we had a lot more in us.
"We went into the sheds, came back out and really put our game on them."
Both defences impressed during the match.
And Freeman added: "That's the game because you can attack all you like and go and punish teams with the ball in hand, but ultimately you want to stop them getting over the line as well.
"Gloucester were brilliant, they've been top of the league and with the way they were attacking, they stressed us for sure.
"I was in cement at some points so credit to Gloucester, but we found a bit and we did both sides (attacking and defending)."
So why did Freeman feel Saints started slowly against Gloucester?
"I'll be honest, it probably started with our warm-up," he said. "Our warm-up wasn't really on the ball and we were struggling a bit in that factor.
"Colesy (Alex Coles) and Dingers (Fraser Dingwall) really brought us in and found a bit more in us.
"We had to get a reaction, especially after the game at Leicester and especially in front of the home fans - they really got us over the line."
Freeman typically plays on the wing for Saints, but he was employed at 13 against Gloucester with Rory Hutchinson, who had been at Scotland camp until late in the week, among the replacements.
"It was good, enjoyable, not too different, just a few more decisions in the midfield on short lines and things out the back, you're asking yourself a few more questions," said Freeman, discussing his role at outside centre.
"I'm still enjoying it and happy to slot in there when needed."
Saints now take a break from Gallagher PREM action until early December, turning their attentions to PREM Rugby Cup matters.
Freeman won't be around though as he is ready to play his part for England during their autumn internationals.
"Really exciting, a change of scenery," he said ahead of linking up with the Red Rose, who host Australlia on Sunday.
"Hopefully we get a nice autumn and the weather brightens up a little bit and it's less cold.
"I'm really relishing getting back into camp and putting a few wrongs right over there."