British and Irish Lion Alex Corbisiero believes that resting his troublesome knee this summer will pay dividends for both Northampton and England in the new season.
So often this season a match has been described as a game of two halves. However, on Saturday afternoon at Twickenham Stadium we were treated to 4 quarters of pulsating rugby.
After 22 Rounds and two semi-finals, just two teams remain... on Saturday afternoon at the Home of English rugby, Saracens and the Northampton Saints will go head to head in the battle to be crowned the2014 Aviva Premiership Champions.
Schalk Brits admits Saturday's Aviva Premiership final against Northampton is Saracens' biggest "grudge match" as two contrasting cultures collide at Twickenham.
Northampton prop Silesi Ma'afu has been handed a one-week ban and order to pay £500 costs after punching Leicester hooker Tom Youngs in Thursday's Aviva Premiership semi-final.
Northampton versus Leicester and Saracens versus Harlequins – on paper they are two feisty matches in practice they were even better as over the course of 48 hours we witnessed the type of rugby that makes you proud to be a supporter.
Northampton defied Salesi Ma'afu's red card and the weight of history to bludgeon into the Aviva Premiership final with a 21-20 victory over Leicester in a bad-tempered battle at Franklin's Gardens.
Fit-again Alex Corbisiero can have a "massive influence" on the closing stages of Northampton's Aviva Premiership derby semi-final against Leicester on Friday, according to Jim Mallinder.
After 22 rounds of electric action it is time for the semi-final knockouts... these two fixtures do not need a lengthy introduction as the word knockout says it all. It is sink or swim time for four giants of the Aviva Premiership and as spectators we are in for an almighty treat…
Leicester Tigers will play great rivals Northampton Saints away in the Aviva Premiership semi-finals next weekend after clinching third place with a bonus point victory over leaders Saracens at Welford Road.
Two moments of inspiration from Kahn Fotuali'i saw Northampton to an 18-10 win over Harlequins that kept dreams of an Amlin Cup and Premiership double alive.
Northampton Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder has admitted that his players will need to be better when they reach the Aviva Premiership play-offs after witnessing his side “switch off” and nearly through away victory in their 36-21 win over London Irish.
Northampton pulled seven points clear of third-placed Bath in the Aviva Premiership table after securing an edgy 36-21 win over London Irish at Franklin's Gardens.