Leicester boss Cockerill would rather face Saints than Saracens in Premiership semi-finals

TAKING HIS PICK - Leicester boss Richard Cockerill would prefer to face Saints rather than Saracens in the Premiership semi-finals (Picture: Linda Dawson)

Leicester Tigers boss Richard Cockerill says he would rather his side play Saints than Saracens in the Aviva Premiership semi-finals.

Tigers seem on an inevitable collision course with Jim Mallinder’s men following last weekend’s results.

Saints claimed a 19-19 draw at Bath on Friday night to ensure they need just a single point against Wasps at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday to secure second spot.

Leicester, meanwhile, thumped Sale 42-22 at the AJ Bell Stadium a day later to move above Bath into third.

That means should things pan out as expected this weekend, when Tigers host Saracens and Bath head to Harlequins, Saints will face Tigers in the semi-finals on the weekend of May 17-18.

And with Northampton not having beaten Leicester in the previous 10 meetings between the sides, Cockerill said: “If I am being honest, we would prefer to go to Saints.

“It is only down the road and we have got a pretty good record against them.

“Saracens have played very well this season and the plastic pitch is not perfect for us. We are old school at Leicester, we like grass and mud.

“Wherever you go in a one-off game, it is massive and there will be lots of pressure for both sides. We will take our chances.”