Mitchell saw first hand what the Saints are all about as his Western Force side were beaten 22-3 at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday.

And the former New Zealand and Sale coach feels Northampton have enough about them to survive in English rugby's top flight, but added it may take time for the team to gel properly.

"Northampton look like they are going to be a very mobile side, and I thought they were very good at the breakdown," said Mitchell, who also played for the All Blacks, although never in a Test.

"They have the ability to shift the ball wide, but they were probably a little bit inaccurate in that area on Saturday when they had us on the ropes.

"But defensively they look well organised."

Saints' pack impressed against Force, scoring a penalty try after a five-minute spell of pressure, and Mitchell believes that is an area that is going to be key for Saints in the top flight.

"Northampton got a result out of the scrum against us, but as most people know the poorer weather comes in December, January and February and your ability to dominate through an accurate set-piece is going to become prevalent," he said.

"You can build pressure there, and you can also build pressure through kick-space."

Mitchell's Force have also taken on Saints' Premiership rivals Newcastle and Saracens on their development tour.

They beat the Falcons and lost in Hertfordshire, and Mitchell feels Saints compare well to their rivals.

"Northampton are probably more mobile than those sides,"said Mitchell.
"I think they have a little more ball playing ability than Newcastle, while Saracens are very strong in the lineout.

But there is not a lot of difference about the sides, with all of them having different capabilities."

And on the switch up from National League One to the Premiership, Mitchell added: "It's a new season and history is irrelevant because you are starting again.

"Northampton just have to focus on themselves and get better at what they do, because they have capability.

"Jim Mallinder is a good coach and he has a loyal staff around him, and the strength and conditioning influence is evident.

"But Rome won't be a built in a day, and I think everybody will have to be a little patient as well."

The Wanderers' clash against the Western Force Development team, scheduled for tomorrow night, has been cancelled due to injuries in the Australian outfit's squad.