Mallinder has plenty of respect for the way Moseley have begun their season.

“Moseley have started the season very well with two good wins,” he said. “They have access to some good youngsters from Gloucester and Mark Foster, who is one of them, is NL1’s top try scorer. But a team doesn’t just depend on three or four players alone. You have to work very hard collectively to win in this league and they’ve done that.

“We cannot underestimate the dangers Moseley will bring.”

Mallinder has rested three members of the forward pack that won last week at the Cornish Pirates with Damien Browne, Karl Rudzki and Darren Fox sitting the game out. They are replaced in the squad by Matt Lord, Mark Easter and Ben Lewitt.

“Damien, Karl and Darren have all played tremendously well this season and have put their bodies on the line,” says Mallinder. “But the three who come in are champing at the bit to play. They’ve worked very hard in training and played well for the Wanderers on Monday. Now it’s up to them to take their opportunity.”

With 10 points from their two matches Saints are joint top of the NL1 table with Doncaster. But Mallinder says that the club mustn’t get drawn into a false sense of security.

“Every team is waiting for us to slip up,” he says. “So everyone at the club must remain focussed, including the supporters. It was great to see so many in Cornwall last week and they lifted us throughout the game. Now we’re on our own ground we all have to make Franklin’s Gardens as intimidating as possible.”

Tickets are still available for Saturday’s game from the Saints Ticket Office, which is open until 5pm today and from 9am tomorrow. Prices start at £20 (adults) and £12 (concessions and juniors). Call 01604 581000 for more information and to book your ticket.

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS SQUAD TO PLAY MOSELEY
National League One
Franklin’s Gardens; Saturday, September 15th; kick-off 3pm
Backs:
Chris Ashton, Paul Diggin, James Downey, Barry Everitt, Johnny Howard, Robbie Kydd, Stephen Myler, Bruce Reihana, Mark Robinson, Carlos Spencer, Ian Vass, Tim Visser.

Forwards:
Chris Budgen, Mark Easter, Simon Emms, Joe Gray, Mark Hopley, Ben Lewitt, Matt Lord, Alex Rae, Christian Short, Terry Sigley, Barry Stewart, Paul Tupai, Dave Ward.

Saturday’s referee is Rowan Kitt, a teacher and marketing director at North London Collegiate School. He has refereed in France, South Africa, India and Wales and has officiated at the Middlesex Sevens and at junior internationals.