Andy Hazell believes Gloucester's new-found defensive resilience could be the key to them winning the Guinness Premiership title.

The Cherry and Whites did not concede a point against Ospreys in their EDF Energy Cup semi-final victory at the weekend – and denied Leicester a try during their recent Premiership clash at Welford Road.

And flanker Hazell has been encouraged by his side's solidity in defence during the past few weeks.

"Ospreys didn't score a point against us, and I think we have really started to take a lot of pride in our defence," said Hazell.

"We also kept Leicester out recently, while it took Harlequins 78 minutes to score a try against us – and that kind of defence could win us the championship.

"As long as we don't give away cheap penalties, we should go a long way this season – and we have been doing a bit of work on eliminating that from our game."

Gloucester are at Northampton on Saturday – and Hazell says it is important they remain in control of their own play-off destiny with six teams vying for four spots.

"The top six are so close that Saturday's game has become massive for us," said the openside.

"We need to get the points in the bag as early as possible, because we have got some tough games coming up against Worcester and Wasps after this weekend.

"We are lucky it's not down to anyone else – we can sort ourselves out if we win our games, and that is how we want it to stay.

"We don't want to be relying on other results."

Gloucester's home Premiership clash with Worcester, originally scheduled for Saturday, April 18, will now take place on Tuesday, April 21 at 7.30pm.

The change is due to Gloucester facing Cardiff Blues in the EDF Energy Cup final on April 18.