Mallinder says victory in Dublin is a huge boost for Saints

Jim Mallinder feels Saints’ superb win in Dublin is the perfect preparation for some tough games ahead in the Aviva Premiership.
POWER PLAY - Saints' Luther Burrell attacks Leinster in Dublin on SaturdayPOWER PLAY - Saints' Luther Burrell attacks Leinster in Dublin on Saturday
POWER PLAY - Saints' Luther Burrell attacks Leinster in Dublin on Saturday

Mallinder’s men claimed an 18-9 success at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening, breathing new life into their Heineken Cup campaign.

They sit four points adrift of Pool 1 leaders Leinster with two games left to play, at Ospreys and at home to Castres.

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But the immediate focus now switches back to the Premiership, where Saints face a trip to Wasps on Saturday before home clashes with Bath and Harlequins.

“The win on Saturday gives a little bit of life to the (Heineken Cup) group,” said Mallinder. “At least it’s not dead and buried.

“We’ve still got two tough games, but Leinster have got that as well so it gives us hope.

“It’s great still to be in the competition, something to play for and it sets us up well for the next few weeks in the Premiership.”

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Mallinder was a happy man after seeing Saints recover from a 40-7 thrashing at the hands of Leinster the week before the Dublin delight.

And he says the main positive from the performance in Ireland was the fact Northampton showed they had learned from the Franklin’s Gardens flaying.

“The week before we were well and truly beaten,” he said.

“We started badly and Leinster played really well, taking a lot of their opportunities and thoroughly deserving to beat us.

“We learned some lessons in the week from that defeat and I guess that’s the pleasing thing.”