The Samoan has been in prolific form going into the new Aviva Premiership Rugby campaign, scoring five times in pre-season wins over Nottingham, Munster and Leinster, then grabbing Tigers’ first score in competitive action at Saints.
“Training went really well in pre-season and I’m feeling good going into the season,” said Tuilagi, who has 38 tries in 114 appearances for Tigers.
“It’s good to get the first try for the year but we’re disappointed with the result.
“We had chances to score more in the game, including the one for myself where I did not finish in the corner. In that kind of opportunity, you should do better than that.
“Northampton got a good start, then we got back into the game, but then in the second half we spent too much time in our own half and you cannot really do that, especially playing away against a good side like Northampton.”
A three-time Premiership champion, Alesana has been joined in the Tigers squad this season by 19-year-old brother Manu who got a first taste of Premiership action as a second-half replacement at Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday.
“It’s good for you when you have some of your family around,” Alesana said. “I’m glad Manu has had a first game now – he’s been waiting for a while. It was not the best start for him with us losing there, but we can play better.
“Now we’re looking forward to the first home game of the season on Saturday. It is a big game for us, especially after losing the first game away.”
