Northampton Saints have obtained a reality check after they lost their chance at the quarter finals.
That is what their boss is also talking about. The playoff chances might exist, but one needs to be realistic about it. Jim Mallinder is in the right position to state such facts. As a result this might be a second season that Northampton loses chances for the playoffs in the Premiership. The last match results in Northampton being defeated by Leicester. Hence the club can look at finishing in a top six position.
Northampton had put in their best efforts, but Leicester being a strong contender this season, the game resulted in a loss of 36-31 which was held at Franklin Gardens. The Saints as a result slid to a seventh position due to the loss. This defeat was also the seventh consecutive defeat in all the games they have played against their rival team in the East Midlands. Mallinder stated to the media that the playoff position is what they could aim for during this season.
Indeed, this season has been tough for the team as they have suffered defeat at the hands of teams like Saracens, Exeter and Wasps. However, it should not be forgotten that they had lifted the Champions Cup trophy in 2014. The same league saw the team shying away from reaching the semi final stage this year. The season concluded in Northampton with a home match that was played against the Harlequins.
What the team needs to focus is to get a consistent performance on track. This would mean working on team synergies and building up effective strategies in place. It should prevent the ups and downs in their performance that has hindered their progress in this season’s Champions Cup league and Premiership games.