Mallinder eyes Lawes comeback

Northampton Saints boss Jim Mallinder is hoping to call on the services of Courtney Lawes for their clash with Worcester on Saturday.

The Saints picked up a vital win over Exeter on Sunday, with the East Midlands outfit battling hard for a narrow 18-15 victory over the Chiefs at Sandy Park. Now Northampton are in the driving seat to claim that fourth and final playoff place in the Aviva Premiership, with just the Warriors left to face at Franklin's Gardens this weekend. Exeter still have a chance of reaching the playoff semi-finals but they must get a result at Vicarage Road against Saracens and hope the Saints slip up against Worcester. Mallinder is staying grounded regarded his side's playoff hopes but does believe Lawes will be a welcome return, having missed the victory over the Chiefs. He told the Northampton Chronicle and Echo: "We are hoping that Lawes gets back. "It is good that it is now in our hands, we can't worry too much about the semi-final. "We have to make sure we beat Worcester because I know Exeter will go to Saracens and not give up."