SAINTS will make their fourth trip of the year to France on Saturday when they take on last year’s League Leaders in the first of a run of three top-four clashes.

After spending hours travelling to and from Toulouse at the start of the month, Saints have switched to a day-return charter flight for this big game, with the following week’s Magic clash against Wigan also influencing that decision.

With Saints top and Dragons fourth there is plenty riding on this match which has built in rivalry and intensity in recent years and is now one of the biggest matches on the Super League calendar.

Coach Kristian Woolf said: “It is a big game that will have an impact on both teams’ seasons and both teams will be right up for it.

"We have enjoyed our last couple of trips to France and have gone over there and played well and have taken a few things from that that we are going to put in place for this game as well.

"We are going the morning of the game but have some other things in place to make sure we are fresh and comfortable when we get there.

"We looked at what we did for Toulouse and did not want to do that again.

"The amount of time we had in transit and the impact that had on the next few days leading into our next game was something we did not wish to do again.

"We have to remember we have a big game the following week as well.

"While we are worried about this game first we also have to have the next one in mind again."

Catalans slipped to fourth after a surprise defeat at Castleford last Sunday, courtesy of a Danny Richardson drop goal.

It may make the Dragons a wounded beast this week as they seek to beat Saints for the first time since Magic.

Woolf added: “Catalans are going to want to make a point and make amends for their defeat at Castleford last week.

“We understand it is a big game for both teams and both will be at their best.

“Our blokes like the challenge of a big game and the challenge of going after the other good packs.

“It is the type of game that brings the best out of us and I have no doubt that it’ll bring the best out of Catalans too.

"If you look over the last couple of years all of the games between the sides have been good, tough games where both have been up for it and ripped into each other.

"That is exactly what I would expect again.

What has happened ove the last couple of games doesn’t matter – we have get to get the trip right, get our preparation right and - with the team we have on the field this week - get our performance right.”