Survival goes to the wire

Northampton lost 35-29 to Wasps while the Warriors missed a chance to secure their Premiership survival when they were beaten 26-16 later in the day.

Despite the defeat, bottom-placed Saints managed to grab a bonus point to leave them just one point adrift of Worcester with one game left to play.

Worcester face Saracens on April 28 while Northampton meet London Irish on the same day.

If Worcester beat Saracens, then Northampton will have to secure a bonus-point victory over London Irish with a huge winning margin.

The Warriors have a vastly superior points difference to Northampton.

But if Worcester lose to a Sarries side intent on making the play-offs, then any victory for the Saints will see them survive in the Premiership.

The Exiles have already made sure of a top-six finish and a spot in Europe next year, so coach Brian Ashton may give some of his younger players a run-out against the Saints.

Northampton coach Paul Grayson also has the small matter of a European Cup semi-final next weekend to consider.

The Saints face Wasps on Sunday and Grayson must decide whether to field a full-strength side or save some of his senior players for the Premiership fight.

Grayson could also be without the services of former All Black fly-half Carlos Spencer who had to leave the field against Wasps with an ankle injury.

"Spencer rolled his ankle and is less than 50-50 for the semi-final," Grayson said after the loss.

Both games kick off at 3pm, and 90 minutes later we will know by the respective moods at Sixways and Franklin's Gardens which of the teams will be in the top flight next season.