Jim Mallinder insists Northampton can turn last week's 30-point defeat on its head and dismiss Racing 92 in this evening's Champions Cup rematch at Franklin's Gardens.

Rugby director Mallinder believes Northampton will be unfazed by last weekend’s comprehensive 33-3 loss and are capable of showing that it was a mere blip in their quest for quarter-final qualification.

“One week you can suffer a hammering and then come back a week on and win the game. We will have the crowd behind us and we need to be positive and take them on,” said Mallinder.

“It was a difficult day at the office last weekend and we didn’t expect to come back with a 33-3 scoreline against us. We looked at the game and didn’t think that score was a reflection of how the game went.”

Pulled the strings

Racing, for whom All Black outhalf Dan Carter pulled the strings last week, recorded a damaging European double over Saints last season, winning 32-6 at Franklin's Gardens.

Mallinder still believes his charges have what it takes to stop history repeating itself, despite the portents starting to point towards the opposite.

“We didn’t underestimate them last week. They have some quality coaches and they are gelling together an international team.

“They played very well and they have put a focus on the Champions Cup. Traditionally, French sides haven’t bothered about going away and winning, especially in Europe, but we have seen over the last year or two that they do now travel and give it a real go.

“But we can’t worry too much about Racing. We know a lot about their players and their style. They are a quality team, but so are we.”