Saints open campaign with a sting
Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:37
Worcester Warriors are Northampton Saints' first opponents in the 2008/09 Guinness Premiership, followed by a showdown with the reigning champion London Wasps.
On September 6 the London Wasps will pay a visit to Franklin's Gardens for their Saintly encounter, while the Saints will travel to Newcastle Falcons, Saracens and Leicester Tigers for further clashes with top Premiership sides.
The East Midlands derby will be played on September 30 or October 1, to enable the Grand Final to be brought forward by two weeks, a move made necessary by a clash with the British Lions' opening tour match in South Africa.
The Saints will have three home matches at the turn of the year against Harlequins (December 20), Bristol (January 3) and Leicester (January 10), with their away game being at Bath (December 27).
Once again the last match at the Gardens will be against London Irish (April 18), although the season finishes at Sale Sharks' Edgeley Park on the weekend of April 25.
"There are no easy games in the Premiership and September will be a massive challenge, especially with three away games," said Saints' director Jim Mallinder.
"Having said that, we will have to be at our best for the home matches as well. Worcester got better and better towards the end of last season and Wasps are always tough opponents.
"Newcastle, Saracens and Leicester will also be difficult trips. One thing is certain - we will be taking each game as it comes and giving it our best effort," Mallinder added.
