Northampton boss Jim Mallinder relieved after Sale win
Friday 23 December 2016 23:34, UK
Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder was relieved to see his side record a first win in five matches with a 24-5 win over Sale in the Aviva Premiership after a difficult period for the club.
Saints conceded 97 points in two European Champions Cup losses to Leinster and have been placed under considerable scrutiny in the light of the head injury George North suffered against Leicester on December 3.
A joint RFU and Premiership Rugby investigation opted against charging Northampton or their medical staff with misconduct for allowing North to resume playing, despite the Saints winger appearing to have been knocked unconscious, but World Rugby today issued a statement which suggested "apparent non-compliance" with its protocols.
"I'm aware of the World Rugby report but the RFU (Rugby Football Union) will have to consider it," said Mallinder.
"George is training with the squad, he is mentally fit and physically fit and when everyone is happy, he will return to playing, which he is looking forward to.
"It wasn't the best European cup campaign for us but resting players last weekend gave us a considerable advantage today as Sale picked a strong squad for last Sunday's game and that extra day also benefited us."
Northampton deservedly recorded their ninth consecutive win over Sale at Franklin's Gardens with Tom Wood, Ben Foden and Luther Burrell scoring their tries. Stephen Myler completed the scoring by converting all three and kicking a penalty.
"We started well for a change and attacked with accuracy. It's disappointing we didn't get a bonus point as we needed Nic Groom to score one of the two tries that were disallowed by the TMO," Mallinder added.
"We've got Gloucester next week and then Bristol at home. These are games we are capable of winning and if we do we can move up the table."
