Saints will not underestimate Newcastle, says Dickens

The teams meet at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday afternoon, with Northampton heavily tipped to earn a comfortable win.

Jim Mallinder’s men currently sit second in the Aviva Premiership standings, having won five of their seven games to date.

Newly-promoted Newcastle have won three of their matches, enjoying a steady start to life back in the English top flight.

And while a convincing home win is expected when the Falcons head to the Gardens, Dickens is refusing to write off their challenge.

“Newcastle are a competitive side and they have shown they can win at home and they’ve won at Worcester,” said the assistant coach.

“Every game in the Premiership is tough and we won’t be complacent.

“We’re playing at home and we want to put in a performance in front of our home crowd. Those are the standards the boys set every week.”

Saints may be without injured pair Dylan Hartley and Tom Wood but they will welcome back Courtney Lawes, Lee Dickson and Ben Foden for Saturday’s clash.

And Dickens has outlined just what those England players add to an already potent mix.

He said: “The boys that we’ve got there are quality players. We’ve got quality players throughout the squad and just having them back adds to the group.

“They’re leaders on the pitch and off the pitch and we’re in a good place.”