Northampton v Exeter: Teams
Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder has told his squad not to underestimate Exeter Chiefs on Saturday.
Last Updated: 01/10/10 1:46pm
Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder has told his squad not to underestimate Exeter Chiefs on Saturday.
The Chiefs had been tipped for an immediate drop after their promotion from the Championship - however they have shown they are more than capable of holding their own.
And having gone up against Exeter in the past, Mallinder knows exactly what his side will face.
"We played the Chiefs three times in National League One," Mallinder said.
"All three were very tough matches, and while there have been changes since then at both clubs I am expecting another tough match on Saturday.
"Exeter's ambition to reach the Premiership was obvious, and now that they are in this league they are making the most of it. Rob Baxter has laid solid foundations and has put together a squad with a lot of experience that wants to play for each other."
The Saints have named Euan Murray and Brett Sharman in their starting XV for the first time this season - while Courtney Lawes returns after a rest.
Enjoyed
Dylan Hartley sits out as part of the EPS agreement, so Phil Dowson will skipper the side.
Exeter have handed a debut to Fijian winger Sireli Naqelevuki for the Saturday's clash at Franklin's Gardens.
The 30-year-old arrived at the club from the Stormers and comes into the side after impressing for the A team.
"It's good to start and a big test for me because we are playing against a good side who are second in the league," said Naqelevuki.
"I enjoyed the 40 minutes I played [on Monday], it was a good first run out and the first chance for me to wear the Chiefs jersey. I thought I was going to play for the other 40, but the coaches told me to rest.
"I have got a start now and if I perform I can keep hold of the jersey, if I don't I will lose it so I want to perform tomorrow."
Northampton Saints: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Bruce Reihana, 13 Jon Clarke, 12 James Downey, 11 Paul Diggin, 10 Shane Geraghty, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Roger Wilson, 7 Calum Clark, 6 Phil Dowson (capt), 5 Christian Day, 4 Courtney Lawes, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Brett Sharman, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha
Replacements:16 Andy Long, 17 Regardt Dreyer, 18 Brian Mujati, 19 Mark Sorenson, 20 Mark Easter, 21 Ryan Powell, 22 Stephen Myler, 23 Joe Ansbro,
Exeter Chiefs: 15 Luke Arscott, 14 Sireli Naqelevuki, 13 Phil Dollman, 12 Bryan Rennie, 11 Mark Foster, 10 Gareth Steenson, 9 Haydn Thomas, 8 Tom Johnson, 7 James Scaysbrook, 6 Chad Slade, 5 James Hanks, 4 Tom Hayes (capt), 3 Hoani Tui, 2 Neil Clark, 1 Brett Sturgess
Replacements: 16 Simon Alcott, 17 Ben Moon, 18 Chris Budgen, 19 Chris Bentley, 20 Dave Gannon, 21 Junior Poluleuligaga, 22 Ryan Davis, 23 Matt Jess