We mustn't tail off now - Wood

Northampton Saints flanker Tom Wood says it would be 'criminal' if his side were to tail off now and lose their spot in the top two of the Aviva Premiership table.

The top two sides are guaranteed a home play-off semi-final but Northampton's place is coming increasingly under threat from rivals Leicester Tigers.

Since the return of their England and Wales internationals, Northampton have lost to play-off rivals Leicester, Sale and Saracens, who won 28-24 at the Allianz Park on Saturday.

Northampton have three matches left, starting with Sunday's visit of London Irish and Wood knows they have to do something about their poor run of form if they are to stay in second place.

"We have had a brilliant eight months and we have been top of the pile, or thereabouts, for a long time. We have had a huge unbeaten run," the England flanker said.

"It would be criminal for us to throw it away now and tail off and not get something for all our efforts.

"People haven't seen the best of us this year and it would be a real shame if you had already seen what we have got to offer.

"We have been nearly men for a little while and that is a tag we want to shake off.

"We are a very capable side on our day and we have to make sure we get it right on the big occasions.

"Beating Saracens in the semi-finals last year shows that if we get it right we are a force to be reckoned with.

"But we can't be okay with losing, particularly against big rivals like Leicester and Saracens, as we have done recently."

And it is traditional rivals Leicester who are breathing down Northampton's neck, now just two points behind them on the back of seven Premiership wins in a row.

"Leicester have got a knack of getting it right at the end of season and they are building some momentum now," Wood said.

"We have got things in our hands still - we have got that little cushion of a few points and two home games to play.

"London Irish don't have a lot to play for now, but you don't expect professional players to roll over and give you a freebie."

Saracens led 28-10 on Saturday before Northampton launched a fightback, eventually falling short despite tries from Luther Burrell and George North.

"The one positive that came out of the game is that we played that badly against a team like Saracens but were still in it at the end," Wood said.

"We looked confused at times, but we will be one hell of a team when we get it right."