Mallinder calls for a little extra from Saints

NORTHAMPTON need to win their 34th match of the season when they play Stade Francais at Frankilin’s Gardens on Friday if they are to qualify for next season’s Champions Cup.

Saints reached the repechage final by beating Connacht thanks to 16 points from Harry Mallinder. The 20-year-old playmaker, who could make his senior England debut in Argentina this summer, scored a try, converted it and kicked three penalties.

Nic Groom also scored for Northampton, who held on when Jamie Gibson was sent to the bin with two minutes to play.

Connacht could not find a winning try at the death. Niyi Adeolokun, latching on to a grubber kick from Craig Ronaldson, and David Heffernan, on the end of a rolling maul, scored their tries and Ronaldson converted one to add to a penalty.

‘The season is finally coming to an end next Friday,’ said director of rugby Jim Mallinder, and father of Harry. ‘But what a terrific way to end it, against a team like Stade, it is something we will really look forward to.

‘Personally I am not a fan of the extra games, but we will take that opportunity.’

Mallinder senior remained coy on the future at Northampton of the influential France No 8, Louis Picamoles.

Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad has claimed Picamoles has signed a pre-contract agreement, with reports in France saying that the Top 14 club is prepared to pay more than £1million to buy him out of the two years remaining on his contract at Franklin’s Gardens.

But Mallinder would not be drawn on the speculation.

‘He has two years of contract and is looking forward to finishing the season with us,’ he said.