Northampton v Bath: Teams

Jon Clarke will make a landmark 100th appearance for Northampton when he leads the side out against Northampton against Bath.

Clarke, who has scored four tries in 11 appearances this season, has been a key player for the Saints in recent season.

And director of rugby Jim Mallinder has hailed the powerful centre's impact at Franklin's Gardens.

"Jon always offers us something in attack and defence," said Mallinder.

"He carries the ball well over the gain line and has good awareness of those players around him. But he is a good tackler as well and has regularly won turnover ball for us at crucial times.

"I congratulate him on reaching 100 appearances for the Saints, which is a superb achievement for any player."

Bath coach Steve Meehan is hoping his side can build on their performance against London Irish despite the defeat.

Meehan's side have endured a turbulent season to date, however the Australia believes the cub are turning a corner.

Character

"We are nine points off of sixth place, so a couple of big wins can get us right back in the game," said Meehan.

"There are challenges in front of us to achieve this, but that's a test of our character and now is the time to show how strong we really are.

"The London Irish match was a catalyst for us to sit down as a squad and look hard at ourselves - what we are doing well and what we need to improve. It was a frank and open discussion.

"It was good to get everyone's opinions and to find out exactly how they were feeling and what they were thinking. It is difficult at the moment but we need everyone thinking positively - and then playing positively.

"It will be a great opportunity this weekend - Franklins Gardens is an excellent ground and we know our own loyal supporters will be making the trip to support us. The guys want to get back on the pitch and put in a great performance for themselves, the supporters and for the club - we know we will then have an opportunity to win the game. But it starts with belief and performing to the standard we know this very talented squad are capable of."

Northampton: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Jon Clarke, 12 James Downey, 11 Joe Ansbro, 10 Shane Geraghty, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Roger Wilson, 7 Neil Best, 6 Phil Dowson, 5 Juandre Kruger, 4 Courtney Lawes, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Dylan Hartley (c), 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Brett Sharman, 17 Santiago Bonorino, 18 Brian Mujati, 19 Christian Day, 20 Scott Gray, 21 Alan Dickens, 22 Stephen Myler, 23 Chris Mayor.

Bath: 15 Nick Abendanon, 14 Michael Stephenson, 13 Matt Carraro, 12 Shontayne Hape, 11 Matt Banahan, 10 Nicky Little, 9 Michael Claassens (capt), 8 Luke Watson, 7 Julian Salvi, 6 Andy Beattie, 5 Stuart Hooper, 4 Danny Grewcock, 3 David Wilson, 2 Lee Mears, 1 David Flatman.
Replacements: 16 Pieter Dixon, 17 Nathan Catt, 18 Duncan Bell, 19 Peter Short, 20 Daniel Browne, 21 Scott Bemand, 22 Ryan Davis, 23 Jack Cuthbert.