Mallinder praises wing wizards after big Saints win

Jim Mallinder was delighted with his wingers after the win against Worcester (picture: Sharon Lucey)

Tom Collins grabbed a hat-trick, while Samoan star Ken Pisi was also a hugely influential figure on the other wing.

Both men came into the side for the game, replacing Jamie Elliott and James Wilson, who both dropped out after taking knocks in the defeat at Newcastle six days earlier.

And the changes paid huge dividends for Saints as their two speedsters starred in a vital win that keeps hopes of a top-four finish in the Aviva Premiership alive.

Harry Mallinder, Lee Dickson and George Pisi were also on the scoresheet in the success, which saw Saints come back from 15-12 down at half-time to win.

“It was a good home win in the end,” said Mallinder.

“We probably made it a bit hard for ourselves in the first half and some defence from set piece was probably the main concern, conceding some very easy tries.

“Thankfully we fixed our issues, we had a good chat at half-time, but throughout the 80 minutes our attacking game was good, we showed intent and got the benefits of that.

“I was very impressed with both wingers.

“Tommy Collins had a good game, but also Ken Pisi, who looked lively.

“We talked a bit and as the pitches are firming up, your wingers come more into the game. We saw that today.

“Jamie Elliott had got a knock and we just thought we’d go for real pace. They’re probably two of our quickest players who we pulled in today.”