Mallinder hails saints revival

Jim Mallinder, the Northampton director of rugby, hailed an "important" win as the Saints overcame Exeter 30-19 in the Aviva Premiership on Saturday.

"You want to be in the top four come the end of the season," Mallinder said. "This has put us back into the mix."

In the Pro12, leaders Ulster charged to a 47-17 win over Scarlets at Ravenhill. But the victory came at a cost, with Ulster coach Mark Anscombe yesterday expressing a "real concern" over injuries to Dan Tuohy (calf) and Luke Marshall (finger).