Criminal for Saints to fail – Wood

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Northampton Saints flanker Tom Wood believes it would be disastrous for his team to not capitalise on their hard work this season.

Northampton Saints flanker Tom Wood believes it would be disastrous for his team to not capitalise on their hard work this season.

Northampton have lost their last three games in the Aviva Premiership to Sale, Leicester and Saracens in a tough run of matches, closing the gap for second place between themselves and the Tigers to just three points.

With home advantage being so important in the playoffs, Wood wants Saints to have the best possible chance of reaching another Premiership final.

“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,” said Wood.

“It would 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.”

The first chance for Northampton to find their form comes this weekend when London Irish visit Franklin's Gardens.

Irish have nothing to play for at the bottom of the Premiership but safe from relegation, yet Wood isn't expecting any favours.

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

“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.”