Director of rugby Jim Mallinder says that this Sunday’s Aviva Premiership Rugby match against London Wasps will not be easy for the Northampton Saints team as it returns to Franklin’s Gardens.

The Saints were last in action on home soil on February 26th. And they come back to the Gardens in a play-off spot, earned with the win at Leeds a fortnight ago.

Mallinder said that the success at Headingley was a step in the right direction, and that the Saints had to build on that on Sunday as they welcome a tough London Wasps outfit to Franklin’s Gardens.

“It wasn’t just a victory, but a much better performance against Leeds,” the Saints boss said. “We got our basics right and dominated up front. We played aggressively and took our opportunities well.

“It was a much needed win and we were pleased to get that under our belts. We had a good week off, hopefully the players have been well rested, and we have had a good week’s training too. Hopefully we can take that into the game with Wasps.

“We know that they are a good side, who are not that far from us in the table. We have six big games left in the league, starting with Wasps and we are looking forward to the opportunity of playing them again on Sunday.”

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS TEAM TO PLAY LONDON WASPS

Aviva Premiership Rugby Round 18

Franklin’s Gardens

Sunday, March 27th, 2011

Kick off 1:45pm

15 Ben Foden

14 Chris Ashton

13 Jon Clarke

12 James Downey

11 Paul Diggin

10 Stephen Myler

9 Lee Dickson

1 Soane Tonga’uiha

2 Dylan Hartley (capt)

3 Brian Mujati

4 Courtney Lawes

5 Christian Day

6 Phil Dowson

7 Tom Wood

8 Roger Wilson

Replacements

16 Brett Sharman

17 Alex Waller

18 Tom Mercey

19 Mark Sorenson

20 Calum Clark

21 Stuart Commins

22 Shane Geraghty

23 Bruce Reihana