Defence is key to Saints' cup victory
In one-off cup ties defence is key. And Saints boss Jim Mallinder has been heartened by how his side have become one of the hardest to break down in the land.
In the derby win over Leicester and in last week's first-ever league victory at Sale, they had to withstand long periods of pressure with some outstanding tackling.
They now have the second best defence in the Premiership, just one point behind leaders Leicester, and when they take on Saracens in the do-or-die LV= Cup semi-final tomorrow that could be key.
Under defence specialist Brendan Venter, Saracens have one of the meanest defences as well.
But discipline is another huge factor and that is where Mallinder's men excel.
They have conceded the least number of yellow cards in the Premiership of just two and missed the third least number of tackles.
Mallinder said: "A lot of it is just about team work and working for each other.
"A lot of team work comes from that desire not to let the opposition in.
"That has got to be coupled with good tactical and technical knowledge.
"The players are working every single week in training on defence, knowing the system, working in the system and staying in it.
"You need that confidence in your inside and outside player to make that tackle, so you can stay in and look to do your job."
Saints use the touchline well in their defence, drifting out to chop them down out wide.
One player who has been superb at that in recent weeks has been Joe Ansbro and he can count himself unlucky to be on the bench tomorrow.
And Mallinder is still looking for defensive improvements from last week at Sale where he felt his side put themselves under unecessary pressure.
"We can improve on our defence," he said.
"Even though we kept Sale out pretty well, there were three or four occasions where we made a few slight defensive errors that put us under pressure.
"Even though we kept them out we probably gave them too much go-forward and a chance to get over the line."
Mallinder will certainly want to see a more ruthless edge from his side and a better goal-kicking display.
Stephen Myler's horror show in front of the posts at Sale last week has seen him replaced by Shane Geraghty at fly-half.
Bruce Reihana is the third kicker and has been superb from long distance.
Both, though, have poor kicking records and going into a semi-final it is a cause for concern.
"We have discussed it," added Mallinder.
"They have been working hard this week, all three kickers. It is an area which could lose you games if you are not kicking well.
"We are fully aware of the importance of goal-kicking, and we are doing our best to improve them."
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Weather for Kettering
Sunday 27 May 2012
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