Hodgson aims to help Saints maintain momentum

Jim Mallinder’s men have claimed seven victories from nine games in all competitions this season, the latest of which was a 37-23 win against Newcastle Falcons last weekend.

That Franklin’s Gardens success was earned by a new-look side, with 14 changes from the previous week’s win over Ospreys in the Champions Cup.

And Hodgson, who made his debut in the triumph against Falcons, is aiming to keep the good form going with his side shorn of some of their international stars.

“It’s not just focusing on the LV, it’s the general momentum for the season,” said the scrum-half.

“Phil (Dowson) spoke before the Falcons game about last year’s LV= Cup campaign and they won everything before missing out in the final.

“It really helped carry on that momentum while the internationals are away.

“When the internationals did come back, there was a winning culture, they were playing good rugby and it encouraged that competition among the squad. It’s very much the same message here.

“We’d love to reach the final of the LV= Cup and win it, but the bigger picture is to keep performing and keep the winning culture going.

“Ultimately, we want to get to the Premiership final and Champions Cup final and come away with those trophies.”