Preview: Northampton v Harlequins
Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder says that Northampton Saints face a tricky game on Saturday when they welcome Harlequins to Franklin's Gardens in the Guinness Premiership.
Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder says that Northampton Saints face a tricky game on Saturday when they welcome Harlequins to Franklin's Gardens in the Guinness Premiership.
The Quins come to town having won their last two away games, and Mallinder says that they will pose problems across the field.
“Harlequins have come right back into form over the past few weeks,” he said today.
“They are playing in the same way that got them to the semi-finals of last year's Guinness Premiership. They haven't lost for a month and have won their last two away games, at Worcester and Newcastle.
“They like to keep the ball in hand and have strike runners who can beat defenders. However Harlequins don't like their opponents playing quick rugby, and they are very good at slowing the ball down at the breakdown, as we found out both here and at the Stoop last season.
“We have been delighted to get two wins in the LV= Cup. Winning is important and we want to keep our momentum that we built up in the earlier rounds of the Guinness Premiership.”
There is just one change to the starting lineup as Neil Best, who played in Ireland 'A's win over Tonga last weekend, returns to the number seven shirt. The remainder of the changes are on the bench.
Courtney Lawes returns from England duty to take a place among the replacements alongside Scott Gray, Regardt Dreyer and Euan Murray.
Murray is in line for his first action of the season after recovering from an ankle injury sustained on the British and Irish Lions' South African tour this summer, and Mallinder paid tribute to the Scot's work ethic during his months of rehabilitation.
“Euan has worked extremely hard to recover from a very serious injury,” he said.
“It is a credit to him and all the medical and conditioning staff that he is ready to play ahead of schedule.”
Meanwhile, Tom Williams, who was banned following the 'Bloodgate' scandal, has been named in the Harlequins team for today's Guinness Premiership clash at Northampton.
Williams was banned for 12 months – reduced to four months on appeal – for his part in the infamous 'Bloodgate' affair.
Williams' suspension expired earlier this week, and Quins have wasted no time drafting him back into the side for today's lunchtime kick-off.
Form:Northampton have won just one of their last four clashes with Harlequins: 23-13 in this equivalent fixture in the Guinness Premiership last season. Quins have won only once at Franklin's Gardens since 1997: 28-15 in the Guinness Premiership on 17 February 2007. Saints have won three of their last four encounters in all competitions. The Saints have won their last ten matches at Franklin's Gardens since Newcastle won there, 19-13, in the Guinness Premiership on 28 February. Harlequins are unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions, a run which has included two draws. Quins only defeat in their last four away matches was 6-20 at Cardiff Blues in the European Cup on 10 October.
The teams:
Northampton: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Jon Clarke, 12 James Downey, 11 Bruce Reihana, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Roger Wilson, 7 Neil Best, 6 Phil Dowson (c), 5 Juandre Kruger, 4 Christian Day, 3 Santiago Bonorino, 2 Brett Sharman, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha,
Replacements: 16 Joe Gray, 17 Regardt Dreyer, 18 Euan Murray, 19 Courtney Lawes, 20 Scott Gray, 21 Alan Dickens, 22 Barry Everitt, 23 Joe Ansbro.
Harlequins: 15 Mike Brown, 14 David Strettle, 13 George Lowe, 12 Nils Mordt, 11 Tom Williams, 10 Nick Evans, 9 Karl Dickson, 8 Tom Guest, 7 Neil McMillan, 6 Chris Robshaw (c), 5 George Robson, 4 James Percival, 3 John Andress, 2 Tani Fuga, 1 Ceri Jones.
Replacements: 16 Chris Brooker, 17 Aston Croall, 18 Mark Lambert, 19 Lewis Stevenson, 20 Chris York, 21 Steve So'oialo, 22 Rory Clegg, 23 Josh Drauniniu.
Date: Saturday, November 21
Venue: Franklin's Gardens
Kick-off:13.00 GMT
Referee: Peter Allan