Parling tells Tigers to 'stay clear in the head' during Saints clash
Leicester Tigers boss Geoff Parling has stressed the importance of his players staying 'clear in the head' when they travel to take on Saints on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).
The East Midlands rivals meet in a massive Gallagher PREM play-off semi-final at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens.
Tigers won the most recent battle between the teams as they comfortably defeated the black, green and gold 41-17 at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on May 9.
But Parling is reading little into that result and he knows what his players have to do if they want to book their place in the Allianz Stadium showpiece.
“You can always reference and look back at any opposition and what happened last time, whilst knowing that this is a completely different game with a completely different set of moments,” Parling said.
“We’ve been the most disciplined team in the league in terms of penalties conceded. When I say basics are important, discipline is definitely included in that.
“It’s important to stay clear in the head. We speak about being calm, clear and decisive. You can’t be ragged up top, you can have your heart burning but your head’s got to be nice and clear.”
Tigers wing Adam Radwan said: "I think as a squad we have a little bit more edge about us, there’s a bit more fire in people.
"It means a huge amount to the area, and there’s a proper buzz about the place.
“Ultimately we wanted to be playing in a home semi-final, but going away to Northampton is hugely exciting for the group.
"You see how much it means to the lads here, and you see how much that rivalry runs through them – it’s genuinely infectious.
“I’m really looking forward to it. It’s going to be a hostile crowd, it’s going to be a tough place to go but I love that kind of atmosphere.
"I love the hostility and everything that comes with it.”