Day warns Saints of Wasps backlash

Day’s last-gasp try secured a 26-24 March success for Northampton, who furthered their claims for a Premiership final appearance.

But for Wasps, who had worked hard on a freezing cold day in High Wycombe, it was a disappointing end to a battling display.

Day knows they will be desperate to avenge that defeat this weekend, and has warned his men what to expect.

“It was absolutely freezing there last season,” he said. “The forwards just kind of hugged for 80 minutes and pushed the ball over a few times.

“We’ve had good results there in the last two or three years, where the forwards have performed well, and we’re expecting a bit of a backlash this weekend.

“They’ve got some real top class operators in their pack so we need to be on top of our game, but, as we’ve shown in the past, if we do get on top there we can get some results.”

One man who will be key to Wasps’ hopes of claiming a win is Joe Launchbury.

The lock has established himself as an important member of the current England squad, and Day knows he will have to be kept in check this afternoon.

“He’s come out of nowhere and all credit to him he’s performed on the biggest stage,” said the Saints second row forward. “He’s performed very well for England and for Wasps.

“He’s a real work rate player in the same sort of athletic mould as Courtney (Lawes). His work rate is immense.

“We’ll keep an eye on him this weekend and hopefully he won’t play too well.”