Francis ready for Saints' 'five finals'

The centre says the team know they have ‘five finals’ as they look to book their place in the end-of-season shoot-out.

Saints had last week off as they were not in European action last weekend.

And they are now fully refreshed for the challenge that awaits them at Franklin’s Gardens this afternoon, when Gloucester come callling (kick-off 2pm).

Saints currently sit fifth in the league standings, four points behind fourth-placed Harlequins and five adrift of third-placed Sale Sharks.

Each club has a tough run-in ahead.

And Francis said: “We would have loved to be playing semi-final footy in the Challenge Cup last weekend but we’re all guns firing for the Premiership now to give ourselves some play-off hopes.

“We have to target every game and we know we can’t really drop a match during the run-in if we’re to achieve what we want to achieve.

“Every game feels like a final for us and we’ll put maximum effort into it knowing there are small blocks we can target.

“We’ve got Gloucester and then Newcastle before another weekend off and we know if we don’t get the work done before that, there won’t be much for us after that.

“We’re fully focused on getting the result this weekend and staying in the hunt.”

Saints have managed to build up some momentum in 2021, winning six of their seven away matches.

The first of those successes on their travels this year came at Gloucester back in January.

And Francis said: “It’s always nice to start the year with a win and it’s all about trying to gain and keep momentum.

“We need to get five wins in the next five games.”

Gloucester currently sit 10th in the league but possess some hugely talented players.

And Francis added: “They’re very strong individually and we anticipate a strong outfit coming here.

“We’ve got to recognise what’s coming but if we can get our game on the park, we should be able to dictate.”