Saints' final is a start
Northampton Saints boss Jim Mallinder says next week's LV= Cup final against Gloucester can be a springboard for the rest of the season.
Mallinder's men kept up their chances of an unprecedented treble with a 31-20 win over Saracens at Franklin's Gardens yesterday.
In a feisty semi-final that saw five yellow cards, a two-try blitz from Paul Diggin and Brian Mujati after the break set up the victory which gives Saints a chance of winning the domestic cup for the first time.
Mallinder now feels winning the LV= Cup will be a boost as they look to clinch a hat-trick of trophies in just their second season back in the top flight.
He said: "This final can definitely be a springboard for the rest of the season.
"But it is going to be a hard game. I watched the first half of the other semi-final and Gloucester are a good side now.
"They have improved massively since the beginning of the season.
"Their confidence will be high, they have got a few players back from injury and they aren't losing too many to the Six Nations. They will go in fancying themselves."
And Mallinder admits his side's chances could well be in the hands of England boss Martin Johnson as he picks his side to take on France the day before Sunday's final at Worcester's Sixways ground.
Chris Ashton, who put in another top display yesterday, could well come in for injured winger Ugo Monye with Shane Geraghty and Phil Dowson also in the mix to cover injuries.
Mallinder said: "In terms of our squad we don't quite know who is going to be available.
"You have to look at England first and Martin Johnson has got to pick his side yet.
"There were injuries up front and out wide that could affect players that we have available.
"We will wait and see, we will probably know tomorrow and then pick our best team available after that."
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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