Mallinder: Saints won't be taking cup semi-final easy
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder has warned Saracens there will be no let up from his Northampton side for this Sunday's LV= Cup semi-final clash.
Saints may be fighting on three fronts in the final three months of the season, but Mallinder has been putting out his best side week-in, week-out and he hinted there will be no change for the big cup game at Franklin's Gardens.
Despite reaching the final three times, Saints have never won the domestic cup competition in its many guises.
And even though the RFU have downgraded the final from Twickenham to 12,000-capacity Sixways, Mallinder is determined to end that barren run.
Mallinder said: "We are looking forward to this game, but it will be tough against Saracens.
"Nick Johnston (head of performance) and the conditioning staff do a real good job with the team. You have to be careful with what you do with the players during the week and you can't overdo them.
"But we have always said that most rugby players should play every week. Now and again it is good for them to have a break, but generally you should be playing week-in, week-out.
"We are playing well, so hopefully we will be match-hardened. A lot of teams will have two weeks off now. But we want to be playing every week and winning every week. I would definitely rather be in our position than anybody else's, and hopefully we will be playing for the next two weekends."
Saints were knocked out at the semi-final stage by Cardiff Blues last season, but they are aiming to go one better this term after an impressive run in the pool stages.
Mallinder's men were the only side to finish with a 100 per cent record, beating Saracens 19-3 along the way at Franklin's Gardens.
That was one of two defeats Sarries suffered, but they still finished top of their pool and will be looking to exact revenge after losing at the Gardens last season in the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup.
Stephen Myler kicked the winning drop goal with just four minutes left as Saints won 16-13, but the fly-half had a horror show in front of the posts at Sale last week, missing four simple penalties.
It will be interesting to see if Mallinder keeps faith with Myler for this Sunday's semi-final.
Mallinder said: "The pitch wasn't brilliant at Sale, but I don't think Stephen will blame that. It was just one of those days, where the first two went right and you try to over-compensate and the third then goes left.
"He played well apart from that, he will work hard on it this week and I am sure he will be fine."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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