But it was the actions of Brendan Venter’s men after the final whistle that angered Hartley most and he is confident it will motivate his side as they head into the play-offs. 

He said: “Hearing Saracens sing and celebrate after their league victory here is enough motivation. I look at our team and I like to think that we are humble when we win.

“For them to celebrate like that [left] a lot of frustrated players.

“But you know we take that as motivation and we look forward to playing them again hopefully at home semi here and get a result.”

Northampton and Saracens are set to meet in their play-off semi-final, with the venue, either Franklin’s Gardens or Vicarage Road, to be decided following Saturday’s results.