Tuala feels Foden link-up is working well for Saints

With George North on Six Nations duty with Wales, Foden has been utilised on the wing, with Tuala lining up at full-back.

Foden, who has been skippering the side in the absence of Tom Wood, who is with England, has scored three tries in his past four appearances.

And Tuala has also made his mark, being named the man of the match in the 24-14 win against Worcester Warriors at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday.

"It's good with me at full-back and Fodes on the wing," Tuala said. "It's really pushed both of us to work harder and try to win the positions, whether that be at 15 or on the wing.

"I don't really have a preference, I'm just happy to be playing.

"I'm not too sure how it works in terms of selection, but I just think there's a lot of positive play between Fodes and myself.

"We're working really hard to hold onto our shirts at the moment."

Saints moved back into the Aviva Premiership top six thanks to the win against Worcester.

But they know they now need to back the victory up when they travel to Sale Sharks on Friday night.

"We're sitting sixth now so we want to stay there and get an opportunity to get back in the top four," Tuala said.

"The goal for us now is to win the rest of our games this season and try to make the top four.

"It really is up to us in the next couple of months."