Saints can still improve - Hopley

Hopley played 21 times for the Saints last season, and scored three tries

Northampton Saints back row forward Mark Hopley says his side can still improve in pre-season.

The Saints beat Rotherham Titans 35-21 and Bedford Blues 24-7 over the weekend, using their full squad.

Hopley told BBC Radio Northampton: "It was good for all the players to get another 80 minutes under their belts.

"There are aspects that we can improve on. When we got our set piece right, our backs played well. And when we got quick ball, we showed we can finish."

Hopley added: "We realise that everything's not perfect, but that's why these games are in place."

The Saints' last pre-season game at home is against Nottingham on Saturday 29 August at 1500 BST. Their Guinness Premiership campaign kicks off against Worcester on Saturday 4 September.

"Our away form [last season] wasn't brilliant and we'll be working on that. With another two wins, we could've been in the top four. We'll aim to win every game."

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Hopley also praised the new recruits to Franklin's Gardens.

"They fitted in straight away. For some of them, pre-season might've been a bit of a shock, but they'll reap the benefits. Phil Dowson played well [against Bedford], and Shane Geraghty as well."

However, Australian lock Dan Vickerman will not feature for Saints until the middle of December because of injury and his commitments to the Cambridge Varsity season.