Northampton v Bath: Teams
Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder is expecting Friday's clash with Bath to go right to the wire.
Last Updated: 17/09/10 1:23pm
Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder is expecting Friday's clash with Bath to go right to the wire.
The two early pacesetters in this season's Aviva Premiership meet at Franklin's Gardens - and Mallinder knows how tough it will be.
"Bath have started the season really well and deserve plenty of respect," said Mallinder, who has made a solitary change on the bench to his squad with Ryan Powell included.
"They like to play the game the same way that we do, have a very strong set piece and backs who can break the defensive line.
"We had two very close games against them last season which went right down to the final whistle and it wouldn't be surprising if it was close again tomorrow night.
"But we have taken a lot of belief from our first two games. We have scored some good tries, defended well at times and have a good team spirit in the squad. We will need all of that at Franklin's Gardens."
Promising
Bath defence and skills coach Brad Davis insists his side will make the trip to the Saints full of confidence.
A perfect start to the season has seen Bath carry on from where they finished last season's regular campaign.
And Davis admitted: "It's been a promising start and to get two wins out of two is testament to the hard work of the players. They have been two performances that showed a lot of character, and the guys should take full credit for that.
"It was definitely tough on Saturday, as the two defences essentially cancelled each other out. I thought we showed great determination to come back from behind late on and get the win.
"Looking ahead to Northampton, again it is another top of the table clash and we are all looking forward to the match. We are going there full of confidence this season. We are confident in our game and the processes we have in place.
"Every time we have been up to Northampton it's a near full house and the supporters really get behind their team, which makes it a really interesting and entertaining game for the players and the coaching staff."
Bath have made five changes for the clash, with Andy Beattie, Pieter Dixon, David Barnes, Tom Biggs and Mark McMillan coming into the side.
Northampton: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Jon Clarke, 12 James Downey, 11 Bruce Reihana, 10 Shane Geraghty, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Roger Wilson, 7 Tom Wood, 6 Phil Dowson, 5 Christian Day, 4 Courtney Lawes, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Dylan Hartley (capt), 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Brett Sharman, 17 Regardt Dreyer, 18 Euan Murray, 19 Calum Clark, 20 Mark Easter, 21 Ryan Powell, 22 Stephen Myler, 23 Joe Ansbro.
Bath: 15 Nick Abendanon, 14 Matt Carraro, 13 Shontayne Hape, 12 Olly Barkley, 11 Tom Biggs, 10 Sam Vesty, 9 Mark McMillan, 8 Luke Watson (capt), 7 Lewis Moody, 6 Andy Beattie, 5 Danny Grewcock, 4 Stuart Hooper, 3 David Wilson, 2 Pieter Dixon, 1 David Barnes.
Replacements: 16 Ross Batty, 17 Nathan Catt, 18 Duncan Bell, 19 Ben Skirving, 20 Josh Ovens, 21 Michael Claassens, 22 Ben Williams, 23 Jack Cuthbert.