Aviva Premiership: Northampton defence concerns Jim Mallinder after Newcastle win
Saturday 3 January 2015 00:07, UK
Northampton boss Jim Mallinder criticised his defence after his side made hard work of beating Aviva Premiership strugglers Newcastle 39-31 at Franklin’s Gardens.
The Falcons picked up a bonus point thanks to four tries from Chris Harris, George McGuigan, Alex Tait and Richard Mayhew, but the champions ran in five tries of their own - from Stephen Myler, George Pisi, Calum Clark, Luther Burrell and a penalty try - as they also secured a bonus point
"In attack there were moments of brilliance, we scored some good tries and could have had two or three more, so there was some very pleasing aspects to our attacking play, but our defence was very disappointing," said Mallinder.
"I think we have conceded more tries this last couple of weeks than we have all season, we need to sharpen up in that area. I think a lot of it is mental, we need to make sure we don't concede from first phase and from as many mauls as we did today.
"Credit to Newcastle they did it last week against Saracens and did it again this week and pushed us close. We have threats all over the field, we are playing pretty well, but not outstanding, so it is pleasing to take five points."
Tribute
Mallinder paid tribute to fly-half Myler, whose 17 points saw him become only the second player to reach 2,000 points for Northampton, the other being Paul Grayson.
"He has been here longer than me and is still playing well and kicking goals," said Mallinder. "To achieve that milestone is phenomenal. A lot of our good play is through Stephen, he doesn't get the headlines but he is the main man that our attacking play comes through."
Newcastle director of rugby Dean Richards was delighted with the display from his young side.
"We have a great crop of youngsters coming through and they are holding their own in the top flight," said Richards.
"That pleases me greatly, the disappointing thing is conceding the field position to give them the tries a bit too easily, so we have got to tighten up in a few areas and then we will start winning a few more games."
