Mallinder hoping improved Saints can end grand final heartache

Mallinder’s men claimed Amlin Challenge Cup glory last Friday, beating Bath 30-16 at Cardiff Arms Park.

They are now setting their sights on a double as they return to Twickenham for the first time since the 37-17 defeat to Leicester last May.

Mallinder believes his squad have come on in leaps and bounds since that grand final heartache and wants them to take their big chance against Saracens this weekend.

“We’ve been disappointed in recent finals to lose, but we’re improving as a team,” said the director of rugby.

“We’ve shown that we’re a better team than what we were last year, we’ve shown that in our performances.

“We showed it against Leicester (in the Premiership play-off semi-final win) and we showed it again last Friday.

“We’re pleased with the way things are going and it gives us a massive chance of winning the Premiership, which we’re going to look forward to.”