Mallinder's men have lost only once at Franklin's Gardens this season

Northampton boss Jim Mallinder has warned that home advantage will not guarantee victory in Friday night's European Challenge Cup semi-final.

Saints take on Premiership rivals Saracens at Franklin's Gardens, with the winner of the competition earning a place in next season's Heineken Cup.

"On our day we're a very good side," Mallinder told BBC Radio Northampton.

"What we can't do is just rely on the fact that we're playing at home - that's not good enough."

"We know what we need to do. We have to come out firing and play well for 80 minutes.

"If we do that we'll be a match for any team - and hopefully good enough to beat Saracens."

Northampton have lost at home only once this season, going down 19-13 to Newcastle Falcons in the league at the end of February.

But they tasted semi-final defeat against Cardiff Blues in the EDF Energy Cup at the Ricoh Arena last month.

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