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Preview: Northampton Saints v Worcester

Friday 05th September 2008

Leading light: Reihana will captain Northampton from full-back

Bruce Reihana will captain Northampton Saints as they return to the Guinness Premiership on Sunday, playing host to Worcester at Franklin's Gardens.

Having spent last season in National League One the Saints will be looking for a winning start to the new season, although Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder knows it is going to be a tough test of his side's ability.

"Worcester are one of the up and coming teams in England," Mallinder said.

"They finished last season strongly in the Premiership and reached the Challenge Cup Final. Mike Ruddock has also brought in some high quality players over the summer. They also have a fantastic record at Franklin's Gardens in recent years, which shouldn't be forgotten."

Mallinder has handed six of the summer signings their Saints debuts for Sunday's clash. Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe and Christian Day partner each other in the second row and Roger Wilson, Neil Best and Scott Gray start in the back row.

England Saxon Lee Dickson wins the nod at scrum-half, where he will partner former All Black Carlos Spencer, whilst Ben Foden will have to settle for a place on the bench.

Sean Lamont returns from a long-term injury and will partner Chris Ashton on the wing. Ashton will be looking to carry on from last season, where he scored over forty tries for the club he joined from Rugby League.

For the Warriors, Greg Rawlinson has been named captain in the absence of the injured Pat Sanderson (quad) as they look to make a winning start to the 2008/09 campaign at Franklin's Gardens.

Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock has named a powerful line-up for the season opener with a number of players handed domestic debuts for the club.

Australian international full-back Chris Latham will make his first English top-flight appearance and is joined in the back division by promising new fly-half Matthew Jones.

Elsewhere, Ruddock pairs Miles Benjamin and Rico Gear on the wings with Marcel Garvey (hip) ruled out of the game.

Netani Talei, Tom Wood and Kai Horstmann play in the back-row with Sanderson ruled out and rated as doubtful for the clash with London Wasps next weekend.

"We're disappointed to lose our captain as he is an inspirational figure," said Ruddock.

"However, it's a long season and there is now an opportunity for other very talented players in his absence.

"Even without Pat it's a very strong back row for the Northampton game with players like Tom Wood, Netani Talei and Kai Horstmann who all featured regularly last season and have all performed to a very high level.

"A leadership group that has been developed at Warriors also means we are better prepared for a situation like this where our captain is unable to start.

"Greg Rawlinson has been a significant figure in this group for some time and we've no doubt that he will deliver strong leadership on the field and continue the high standards we set in that area.

"All the players are looking forward to the Northampton game and really making a positive start to the season in front of the cameras."

Form: Newly promoted Northampton Saints had a perfect played 35, won 35 record in league and cup last season. Only one promoted team has won their opening Premiership match in the past five seasons: Bristol in 2005. Worcester Warriors finished off last campaign with back to back wins in the Guinness Premiership, but are yet to win their opening encounter of a new Premiership season. The Warriors have a remarkable record at Franklin's Gardens, having won on their last five visits to the ground in all competitions. Worcester's captain Pat Sanderson has been involved in opening weekend tussles in the Premiership every season since 1999.

The Teams:

Northampton Saints: 15 Bruce Reihana (c), 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Jon Clarke, 12 James Downey, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Carlos Spencer, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Roger Wilson, 7 Scott Gray, 6 Neil Best, 5 Christian Day, 4 Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Paul Shields, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Dylan Hartley, 17 Tom Smith, 18 Alex Rae, 19 Mark Hopley, 20 Ben Foden, 21 Stephen Myler, 22 Joe Ansbro.

Worcester: 15 Chris Latham, 14 Rico Gear, 13 Dale Rasmussen, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Miles Benjamin, 10 Matthew Jones, 9 Matt Powell, 8 Kai Horstmann, 7 Tom Wood, 6 Netani Talei, 5 Craig Gillies, 4 Greg Rawlinson (c), 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Matt Mullan.
Replacements: 16 Chris Horsman, 17 Chris Fortey, 18 Will Bowley, 19 James Collins, 20 Ryan Powell, 21 Loki Crichton, 22 Chris Pennell.

Date: Sunday 7 September, 2008
Kick-off: 13:30 BST (12:30 GMT)
Venue: Franklin's Gardens
Referee: Sean Davey
Touch judges: Martin Buck, Don Helme
Assessor: Brian Campsall
Television match official: Brian Abrahams