Mallinder warns Saints that the job is far from done
Jim Mallinder says it is ‘awesome’ to have topped the Aviva Premiership and already booked a home play-off semi-final.
But the Saints director of rugby has told his players it will all mean nothing if they don’t deliver when it really matters.
Last weekend’s 46-0 win against London Welsh at Franklin’s Gardens ensured Mallinder’s men will end the regular season at the summit for the first time.
And they are now guaranteed a home play-off against the fourth-placed outfit at Franklin’s Gardens on May 23.
“It’s pleasing to top the Premiership and it shows we’re there or therabouts as a quality side,” said Mallinder.
“In a way it’s just something that’s happened that we’re pleased about, but we know it’s all about winning the Premiership.
“That means you’ve got to win a home semi-final and take that to Twickenham and we’re not there yet.
“It’s not a job done, but we’re where we want to be, with a home semi-final and one game of the regular season to go, which is awesome.
“We need to make sure we get ourselves right for that home semi-final.”