Mallinder warns Saints that the job is far from done

But the Saints director of rugby has told his players it will all mean nothing if they don’t deliver when it really matters.

Last weekend’s 46-0 win against London Welsh at Franklin’s Gardens ensured Mallinder’s men will end the regular season at the summit for the first time.

And they are now guaranteed a home play-off against the fourth-placed outfit at Franklin’s Gardens on May 23.

“It’s pleasing to top the Premiership and it shows we’re there or therabouts as a quality side,” said Mallinder.

“In a way it’s just something that’s happened that we’re pleased about, but we know it’s all about winning the Premiership.

“That means you’ve got to win a home semi-final and take that to Twickenham and we’re not there yet.

“It’s not a job done, but we’re where we want to be, with a home semi-final and one game of the regular season to go, which is awesome.

“We need to make sure we get ourselves right for that home semi-final.”