Northampton Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder has insisted that his team deserved to beat Leicester Tigers in Friday's Aviva Premiership semi-final.

Tom Wood scored a late try at Franklin's Gardens as the Saints earned a 21-20 win over the defending champions.

"I think it was a very good game of rugby. Full credit to Leicester - they're a good team," Mallinder told BBC Sport. "It was two good performances from both sides, but I think we just deserved it."

Northampton will face either Saracens or Harlequins in the final at Twickenham Stadium on May 31.