Mallinder: We were hurt by the critics

EMOTIONAL Saints supremo Jim Mallinder took a swipe at critics who called for his head after the opening day thrashing by Saracens.

He said: “You remember what people say, you read things and it really hurts. It hurts the team and we needed a reaction, but we got that and we’ve shown that when we get it right we’re a difficult team to beat.

“Last week against Leicester was a good performance, but we’ve backed it up against a very good, physical team.”

Mallinder praised standin skipper Courtney Lawes, adding: “He leads by example – every single impact he does something positive, whether that’s in his carrying or defence. It’s the best rugby I’ve seen from him.”

Bath boss Todd Blackadder struggled for positives, but of Sam Underhill he said: “He got stuck in and really put himself about, but it’s a funny law you can’t replace someone who’s been knocked out!

“I hope they’ll review that, but there are no excuses, we weren’t good enough.”

He added: “Matt Garvey looks like a pulled calf, so that’s four or five weeks.”