Northampton Saints v Harlequins - Aviva Premiership match preview

Courtney Lawes: Northampton's only change, as he comes into to the second row

Joe Marler: Returns to start in the front row for Harlequins

Harlequins have made six changes to the starting line-up from the team which beat Zebre in the Heineken Cup as they face Northampton Saints at Franklin's Gardens.

For Saturday's round 11 clash, amongst the backs will be Tom Williams starting on the right, with Ugo Monye moving to the left wing.

James Johnston and Joe Marler return to start in the front row alongside Joe Gray at hooker. Maurie Fa'asavalu is named in the back-row with Olly Kohn partnering George Robson in the second row.

Among the replacements is Dave Ward, coming in for Rob Buchanan who picked up a knock during the Aviva 'A' League final victory on Monday.

Mark Lambert will also be hoping to make his 100th appearance for the club from the bench this weekend.

Meanwhile, as they prepare to face league leaders Quins, Saints have named just one change, bringing in Courtney Lawes to the second row.

Northampton Saints: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Ken Pisi, 13 George Pisi, 12 Tom May, 11 Jamie Elliott, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Gerrit-Jan van Velze, 7 Phil Dowson, 6 Tom Wood, 5 Courtney Lawes, 4 Samu Manoa, 3 Paul Doran-Jones, 2 Mikey Haywood, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Ross McMillan, 17 Alex Waller, 18 Brian Mujati, 19 Mark Sorenson, 20 Calum Clark, 21 Martin Roberts, 22 Ryan Lamb, 23 Luther Burrell.

Harlequins: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Tom Williams, 13 Matt Hopper, 12 Tom Casson, 11 Ugo Monye, 10 Nick Evans, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Chris Robshaw (c), 6 Maurie Fa'asavalu, 5 George Robson, 4 Olly Kohn, 3 James Johnston, 2 Joe Gray, 1 Joe Marler.
Replacements: 16 Dave Ward, 17 Mark Lambert, 18 Will Collier, 19 Charlie Matthews, 20 Tom Guest, 21 Karl Dickson, 22 Ben Botica, 23 Sam Smith.

What they said...

Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder

"We enjoyed last Saturday's result, but all the chat in the dressing room was about taking the momentum into tomorrow's game against Harlequins.

"This has been reflected in the attitude in training this week, which has been both intense and positive.

"We all know that Harlequins will pose us plenty of challenges. They are on a good run of form at the moment in all competitions and have shown regularly that they have the temperament and ability to win on the biggest stage.

"But we know we can win the big games, too, and are determined to give our fans something to sing about on Saturday."

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