Saracens have championed the LV= Cup as a place to test the younger players in their squad.

Much of the group that plays week-in, week-out including England’s Alex Goode and Owen Farrell have learned their trade in the tournament.

Sarries’ 20-16 loss away at Northampton means they failed to secure a semi-final on home turf and will again get to travel up the M1 to Franklin's Gardens as they look to progress.

The format of the LV= Cup is a strange one. 

Unlike the more familiar pool set-up, as seen in European competitions, teams from opposing pools play against each other, meaning Saracens in Pool One face those in Pool Four.

When it comes to the semi-final stage, the winner of each pool then meets the winner of their opposing pool.

To me this makes no sense.

In order to prove you are the best in that competition you want to play as many different opponents as possible.

Although this rematch will allow Saracens the chance to seek revenge over their rivals, personally I don’t like the way the system works.

By all means have a tournament that allows a club to develop youth and squad members, especially during times of the season where players are away on international duty, but make it a competition that is easy to understand.

The LV= Cup in my eyes fails to capture the imagination.

Saracens against Northampton has become one of the tastiest match-ups of the season; full of spark, power, niggle and determination.

Saturday’s match failed to encapsulate any of this.

The other problem with such games is ticket prices.

Northampton Saints charged the same price for the game as if it was a crunch Heineken Cup match or a Premiership top of the table clash.

Lower ticket prices, simplify the format and encourage people to come and witness the future of English rugby.

After all, you could be watching the next star in the making.