Saints lock Day ready for a massive month

That is because the fixture list has thrown up some potentially combustible battles, domestically and in Europe, as Jim Mallinder’s men bid to light the fuse on their season.

With last Saturday’s 42-16 success against Newcastle Falcons at stadium:mk sparking them into life, Saints know they will have to show an abundance of skill and substance to navigate the next few weeks.

After Sunday’s ever-tricky trip to Sale, Northampton will play at Franklin’s Gardens for the first time in this campaign, christening the new Barwell Stand with a game against Saracens.

Then there are back-to-back Champions Cup clashes, at home to Scarlets and away to Glasgow Warriors, before November concludes with a Friday night fixture against Gloucester at the Gardens.

It is a massive month for Mallinder’s men, and Christian Day, who grabbed two tries in last weekend’s win against the Falcons, knows just how important it is.

“Sale away, we’ve struggled recently so we need to try to rectify a few wrongs there,” said the experienced lock, starting to assess what lies ahead.

“Saracens at home, opening the new Barwell Stand, and we know how tough Saracens can be.

“Then we’ve got two European Cup games so it’s a huge month and no doubt the squad will be used to its fullest to make sure we’re going into Europe in good condition.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Sunday’s game at the AJ Bell Stadium will be made even more difficult by the presence of former Saints prop Brian Mujati, who has joined Sale after exiting Racing 92.

And the Bulawayo-born tighthead will be looking to help the Sharks continue their good recent home record against Northampton, who have not won there in the Aviva Premiership since November, 2012.

“I still keep in touch with Brian and I get a message off him now and again,” Day said.

“He’s a funny guy, a quirky guy and a nice guy so it’s good to see him back in the league.”

Day will just be hoping that it’s a happier reunion for him than for Mujati.