But no.

This is Northampton according to Saint James and winning is sacrament.

Granted, the players had a "few beers" after the game and a day off, but most were back training on Tuesday and it was back to business in preparation for tomorrow's visit of Nottingham.

And if Nottingham fans were hoping there might be a lack of motivation for the Saints players after reaching the season's goal last week, they will be disappointed with director of rugby Jim Mallinder's response to such an idea.

"I don't think I really need to motivate the players," said Mallinder.
"We've got a squad who are very motivated and have a got a real desire and willingness to do well.

"I don't think anybody likes losing, but particularly this group of players."

And if Mallinder isn't quite sure Saints are fired up enough he could always remind them of the 16-10 struggle at Meadow Lane.

The Nottingham forwards put in a titanic effort, totally dismantling Saints' lineout and pushing the unbeaten National League One champions all the way as the rain lashed down non-stop.

Nottingham won 48 per cent of Saints' lineout ball to send forwards coach Dorian West apoplectic on the touchline and the players weren't allowed to talk to the media afterwards.

It was a sticky patch that Saints came sailing through and the lineout has functioned better and better ever since. Just how much it has improved, Mallinder will be able to find out tomorrow.

Dylan Hartley was at hooker that day, but under West's tutelage he is a confident thrower at the moment and will certainly be looking to wipe away the memory of that stormy afternoon in Nottingham.

Also at the heart of the lineout that Sunday was Christian Short, who announced he was leaving to play for Brive this week. Alex Rae has taken over the lineout calling since and his leadership and performances have grown week by week. Tomorrow will be Rae's sternest test, but Mallinder says there has been no extra lineout training this week.

"We looked at it the day after the Nottingham game, two days after and three days after and we worked on it the following week after that," said Mallinder.

"Things go well at times and things don't and it needs constant revisiting and constant work, but since then we have not had any major problems in that area. The weather didn't assist us then, it was horrendous and Nottingham did very well taking our ball.

"If you keep doing badly then you do get a little bit worried, but as long as you learn from your mistakes and you move on then it has been worthwhile.

"The lineout is not just your hooker's fault, or the person who is calling's fault, but it is a general thing, everybody is involved and everybody has got to take responsibility."

Short won't be around tomorrow, but it looks like Saints fans will have the chance to say goodbye to Mark Robinson.

The former All Black's departure from Franklin's Gardens was finally announced this week, though it had been on the cards for some time after the capture of exciting talent Ben Foden, who will be playing at full-back for Sale tonight.

There seems to be an overhaul of the scrum-half department going on as Mallinder has hinted that Foden won't be the only number nine coming to the Gardens. Saints need to make sure they have players at the right age and experience to back Foden up in the Premiership next year.

Mallinder added: "Sharky has been a tremendous ambassador for the club and he's been a real supporters favourite.

"Sometimes you have got to move on and I think both him and the club realise it is the right time to do it. We just wish him all the best in finding another club in his rugby career and business career after that. You've got to make the decision at the best interests of the club."

As popular as Robinson is, fans can be assured Mallinder has plans in place to meet the club's best interests. And after leading Saints to 30 straight wins so far, his judgement on allowing Robinson to leave has to be trusted.