Northampton Saints coach Jim Mallinder says his side will be prepared for whatever team Perpignan (7/2 to beat the Saints in the match betting) field in the Heineken Cup on Sunday.

The Saints (10/11 to win with a minus 13 handicap in the rugby betting) must beat their French opponents at Franklin Gardens to have any chance of topping their group going into the final round of pool matches.

With Munster (2/1 to be Magners League Grand Final winners) securing a bonus point victory over Treviso on Saturday Saints know that anything other than a win will hand the Irish side the group.

However, a win for Northampton (5/2 to be regular season winners in the Premiership) will set up a tantalising winner-take-all encounter with Munster next Friday night.

With Perpignan unable to qualify for the next round of the Heineken Cup they look likely to field a weakened side against the Saints.

However, Mallinder won’t underestimate the French side and says it will be a tough game whoever they start on Sunday.

“Perpignan had a good win last weekend and showed that they are a champion team,” he said.

“Whatever side they put out, we know they will be physical, skilful and challenging. They will come at us hard and fast from the first whistle, and we will have to be prepared for that.”

Northampton should be on a high going into the game following the news this week that Ben Foden, Lee Dickson and Chris Ashton have all signed new two-year contracts.