Mallinder 'satisfied' as Northampton top Rugby's Premiership

Northampton Saints' Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder believes his team's first half performance at London Irish set the tone for their fourth win in five games in the Aviva Premiership.

The defending champions led 10-0 at half time on Saturday (October 4) at Reading's Madjeski Stadium, thanks to Luther Burrell's converted try and a Stephen Myler penalty.

Although former Saints star Shane Gerraghty kicked four penalties for Irish, they couldn't prevent Northampton from adding three more - two from Myler and one from Lee Dickson.

The win takes Northampton a point clear of Bath, who beat former leaders Saracens on Friday night (October 3).

However Mallinder says there is still much they can improve on to ensure they make a successful defence of their title.