Ambitious Saints up for Tigers test
Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:22
Northampton Saints Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder is confident his team can start their new campaign with a win against the defending Premiership champions, Leicester, in front of a sold-out Franklin's Gardens on Sunday.
It is the first time that the 2009/10 table toppers and runners-up will have gone head-to-head in Round One since 2005.
And with East Midlands pride at stake as well as precious Aviva Premiership league points, Mallinder says that it will be a massive occasion.
"Sunday's game is something that everyone at the club has looked forward to," he said.
"The players have worked hard to try and secure a place in the 23-man squad and there have been a lot of hard decisions that the coaching staff have made in terms of selection for the team.
"They all deserve their place. But now they have to work hard to stay there in what is a massive game for us. Leicester were deserved champions last season. They are the club that has set the benchmark for the rest of the league and we respect their achievements.
"But we have ambitions for a good season as well. And we have been fully focused all week on achieving a positive result on Sunday. That is all that matters for now as we continue to take everything one game at a time."
Northampton Saints: 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 Tom Wood, 6 Phil Dowson, 5 Christian Day, 4 Courtney Lawes, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Dylan Hartley (captain), 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Brett Sharman, 17 Regardt Dreyer, 18 Tom Mercey, 19 Calum Clark, 20 Mark Easter, 21 Ryan Powell, 22 Shane Geraghty, 23 Joe Ansbro.
Date: Sunday, September 5
Venue: Franklin's Gardens, Northampton
Kick-off: 15.00 (14.00 GMT)
Referee: Dave Pearson
Assistant referees: Paul Dix, Alan Hughes
TMO: Graham Hughes
Contact Us | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Advertising
