Northampton coach Jim Mallinder asks players to remain focused
Northampton coach Jim Mallinder has suggested that his players must remain focused on their club rugby, after a number of his players starred in England’s 35-18 win over Australia on Saturday 13 November.
Northampton are the form team in the English Premiership at the moment and hooker Dylan Hartley, full-back Ben Foden, forward Courtney Lawes and winger Chris Ashton have been influential in England’s win against the Wallabies.
Ashton scored two tries in the match. One was a sensational individual effort from 90m out, and Mallinder has been quick to warn all of his players that they will not be allowed to rest on their laurels when they return to the club.
"We enjoy being a part of their success and we're really happy. But we'll need them to become level headed again, and we'll need them on top form—if they make the team," said Mallinder.
The Northampton coach admitted that he may have to cope with losing more players if Northampton can continue to perform in their club games.
A number of Northampton players have been influential in the Saints' start to the season and Mallinder is bracing himself for more England call-ups ahead of the Six Nations and the World Cup. "You dread the phone call [from England] sometimes," said Mallinder.
The Northampton coach believes that injuries and players losing form will give more of his players an opportunity at international level. "The England coaches are watching all the time and if there are players out of form or injuries, then I don't think
ours are far off," he said.
England will face Samoa at Twickenham on Saturday 20 November, and England’s Northampton contingent will be expected to deliver the same calibre of performance for the team.
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