Northampton Saints hooker Sam Matavesi is fully backing his side to end their regular season on a high this weekend, as they look to lay down a marker ahead of the play-offs.

Northampton have already secured a home semi-final, however a win this weekend against Bath will see Northampton finish top of the table.

Speaking to the media, Matavesi said: “We want to go there and win. Everyone wants to play well and if we get a win, we finish top.”

The Saints have made 13 changes to their starting team from last weekend; but they still boast international quality.

Rory Hutchinson, Lewis Ludlam and Matavesi are amongst the changes to the starting 15, and the Fijian international said this is the last chance for some of the players to put their hand up for selection.

“Even with the team this week with a few changes, it’s a hell of a team. It’s a massive opportunity for boys to put to really put their hand up, and I think that that in itself is the biggest opportunity. There’s opportunities to play in a home semi-final; which is massive.”

Northampton have huge strength in depth right now, and Matavesi believes this is really driving his side forward.

“I think we’ve got a massive squad now,” he said. “A lot of boys are coming in and playing well. There’s competition for places everywhere.”

Sam Matavesi on competition with Curtis Langdon

His own personal competition with Curtis Langdon is one of the biggest selection headaches Phil Dowson and the rest of the coaching staff face at the moment, and Matavesi was full of praise for his fellow hooker.

“He’s been on fire this year. He’s probably been one of our best players this season, and probably in the Prem as well.”

He added: “For me, it’s just if I get an opportunity I’ve got to play well. If I come off the bench I’ve got to play well because behind us there’s also Robbie Smith and Tom Cruise as well; there’s four hookers that can play at any time.”

“You need that competition, it’s only positive. You’ve got people that, if you’re not starting then you get 20-30 minutes to come off the bench and make a massive impact. It can only help the team.”

The Fijian international grabbed a brace in their 90-0 win over Gloucester last weekend, and he will be hoping for more of the same if he wants to nail down a starting spot for the play-offs.