Mark McCall: Saracens will relish Northampton atmosphere

McCall took charge of Saracens midway through the 2010-11 campaign

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall says his side will not be intimidated by the atmosphere at Northampton in their Premiership semi-final meeting.

Sarries secured their place in the top four on the last day of the season with victory over London Welsh.

"Northampton are a very good side, and particularly at Franklin's Gardens," McCall told BBC London 94.9.

"But we have got a squad who don't mind being on the road and kind of relish hostile atmospheres."

McCall believes the north London side's experiences in Europe will stand them in good stead as they aim to reach the Twickenham final.

"The atmosphere we faced when we played Clermont in the Champions Cup was something very special," said the 47-year-old.

"Having been through that and played quite a decent game that day, I don't think anywhere else will have big fear for us."

Saracens, beaten 24-20 by Saints in extra time in Premiership final last May, have finished first in the table in the previous two seasons.

However, they only booked their place in the play-offs on the final day of the current campaign with a large bonus-point win over the Exiles.

"We were two wins behind Northampton in the final standings so we weren't a million miles away," added McCall.

"When I look back on this year in its totality then it has been a really good year, with two mini-slumps in November and one after the Champions Cup semi-final against Clermont.

"Aside from that it has been a really positive year for us. The season is now irrelevant and we now have a one-off game."