Northampton out to silence Sarries

Saints boss Jim Mallinder admit it "hurt" to hear Saracens celebrating after they beat his team 28-27 in a Franklin's Gardens thriller two weeks ago.

But Northampton now have a dream chance of revenge, knowing victory in the title play-off would take them to Twickenham for a May 29 appointment with Leicester or Bath.

Saracens won both regular season league clashes between the clubs, but Saints claimed an LV Cup double, including a feisty semi-final success.

Throw in a bitter, public tug-of-war between the clubs over Saints prop Soane Tonga'uiha's services next season – he is staying at Northampton – and all the ingredients are there for a no-holds-barred encounter.

"That hurt, hearing them singing as if they had won the league," reflected Mallinder on the clubs' last meeting.

"For us, you can take motivation from a lot of things, and we are eagerly looking forward to that game next weekend now.

"We've had some close games against them this season.

"They are playing well – they played very well when they came to our place – and they've just won at Welford Road against Leicester.

"It will be an almighty battle, but we think we have a side to win that game."

Northampton bounced back from two successive league defeats to brush aside Madejski Stadium hosts London Irish 31-7 – centre Jon Clarke scored two tries – but full-back Ben Foden suffered an ankle knock that will require close monitoring this week.

It was hardly the ideal way for 2003 World Cup-winning centre Mike Catt, playing the final match of his illustrious career, to bow out but he at least came off the bench for the last 13 minutes for a cameo appearance for Irish, for whom he will continue to be attack coach.

Saracens, though, easily eclipsed Saints' performance, beating champions Leicester 32-23.

It was Leicester's first home loss since Wasps beat them in September 2008, while Saracens had never previously triumphed at Welford Road.

"We measure ourselves against Leicester, as they are the best side in the Premiership," said elated Saracens boss Brendan Venter. "We are really looking forward to the challenge next week.

"Northampton made a few comments about the extent of our celebrations when we won there, but we sing our song when we win. It was a fantastic day."

Saracens are confident their outstanding hooker Schalk Brits (head) will recover in time.