I think I need to give up this prediction lark! Well, actually I did get one thing right last week - I said it would be a cracking game at the Gardens on Saturday night and it definitely was.
Saints finally produced a well overdue performance to shout about at home.
Northampton totally dominated a very poor Sale team who offered up very little resistance, and after their excellent win against Gloucester a week earlier I at least expected some challenge for the Saints.
There have been some bizarre results over the past few weekends.
Gloucester, who were well beaten by Sale a week earlier, then go and grab a famous win over Sarries who didn’t look like they were about to lose anything, and the only thing you dare predict at the moment isto expect the unexpected.
Actually it goes to show that you cannot afford to turn up just even one per cent off your best, otherwise you will get embarrassed.
It goes to prove that anything can happen heading into the semis, even though the form book might say something else.
Saints were on top in every department against Sale.
Luther Burrell was again very impressive, he and George Pisi could make a very potent attacking weapon and Saints will be hoping to get Pisi back for the Quins game.
GJ Van Velze had his best performance of the season, perhaps the warmer weather and firmer pitches will be much more akin to his South African rugby upbringing.
But the story on Saturday, apart from securing the play offs, was a performance worthy to say farewell to hugely influential players for the Saints in Brian Mujati and Soane Tonga’uhia.
They have been the anchor and rock of the Saints pack for several seasons. As I have said before, replacing them will be almost impossible but they both look determined to sign off their Saints careers in style.
It can’t have been an easy decision for them to leave, particularly for Tonga’uhia, despite the big money offers in France, and it was clearly a very emotional day for two players that will go down in Saints front row folklore.
Much will depend on the development of the likes of Alex Waller to shore up the gap left by two such important players, but for now we ought to focus on the present and reflect on the impact the pair of them have made at the club.
It is great for the squad that the pressure of securing the play-off spot is now off going into the final league game next weekend against Quins.
It does however pose a bit of a problem for me.
To have any realistic chance of upsetting all the odds and making the Premiership final they really do need to break their duck and beat one of the big three sides to give them the confidence heading into the semis.
I really do think they have an outstanding chance to get a result at Quins, who are definitely wobbling at the moment.
The dilemma for me is that if Saints do win they are likely to book a date for a semi final at Tigers, and that is my worry.
After the drubbing at the Gardens a couple of weeks ago, Tigers have the mental upper hand by some margin and out of a trip to Sarries or Tigers I would take the trip to Sarries.
I believe that Saints would have a better chance at Sarries’ new home than they would at Welford Road.
So a win at Quins is a must from a confidence point of view, but it might just throw them straight into the lion’s den up the M1.
Still, if they are going to surprise everyone this season and win this title against the form book and the odds, they will likely have to face Tigers again at some point.
Perhaps a date with destiny to bury a few demons awaits?
Saracens and Clermont to progress to final
It is difficult to see past two home wins in the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup this weekend.
Both Saracens and Clermont are clear favourites heading into the clashes.
It is a fool however who writes off Munster, as they have shown time and time again that they have that precious spirit which can lift them to new heights.
But despite their ability to deliver the improbable, I believe this will be a bridge too far for them.
There is a certain destiny in Clermont’s progression through the tournament this season.
After a number of near misses over the past couple of seasons I expect them to put Munster to the sword in Montpellier, and I think it could end up being a little one-sided.
If you fancy a bet for the overall winner, get it on Clermont now before their price shortens up again after the semi-final
Saracens have the tougher of challenges against Toulon, who have on occasion flattered to deceive but seem to have found a bit more steel to their game this season.
If you look through their squad there is no doubt they should be playing at this level, but having the best players on paper does not always translate into results on the pitch.
They have found that consistency in the last year or so, and with the quality they possess are well capable of causing an upset at Twickenham.
Saracens will not have wanted to head into the game off the back of a league defeat, but perhaps they had one eye on this weekend, a huge prize that has so far eluded them.
I expect that Sarries will win a tight encounter, but do not be surprised if a certain Mr J Wilkinson might have something to say about the outcome.