“The top sides think their way through the game and use the passion to get them over the edge in the big matches,” he said this week. “That’s exactly how we have to be this weekend and have fingers crossed for results elsewhere.

“One thing that is certain however is that the boys will do their utmost to achieve the win here. Their commitment to playing through the pain barrier has been shown through the season. Everyone in the squad knows what the game means to the club and the supporters and are focussed on getting the win.

“London Irish are a good side though – we shouldn’t forget that. The game at the Madejski was probably our lowest point of the season. They have finished in the top six again and have a dangerous set of runners out wide. So we have to make sure our defence is on its game as well.”

Saints are at virtual full-strength for their final match of the season. The back-line is unchanged from that which started the Heineken Cup semi-final last weekend with Jon Clarke having recovered from the knock to his ankle.

There are two changes in the pack. After missing out last weekend, John Brooks returns at tight-head prop while Christian Labit comes off the bench to replace Daniel Browne.

Darren Fox is among the substitutes as is Stephen Myler, who has recovered from his chest injury sustained at Kingston Park on Easter Sunday.

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS TEAM TO FACE LONDON IRISH (intls in CAPS)
Guinness Premiership Round 22; Franklin’s Gardens; Saturday, April 28th 2007
15 BRUCE REIHANA (capt)
14 SEAN LAMONT
13 Jon Clarke
12 Robbie Kydd
11 BEN COHEN
10 CARLOS SPENCER
9 MARK ROBINSON
1 TOM SMITH
2 MATIAS CORTESE
3 John Brooks
4 Damien Browne
5 Christian Short
6 PAUL TUPAI
7 Ben Lewitt
8 CHRISTIAN LABIT

Replacements
16 Dan Richmond
17 Chris Budgen
18 DAVID GERARD
19 Darren Fox
20 Johnny Howard
21 Stephen Myler
22 Paul Diggin