Northampton v Saracens: Teams
Northampton boss Jim Mallinder is relishing the return to Premiership action with the visit of old foes Saracens on Saturday.
Last Updated: 11/02/11 12:54pm
Northampton boss Jim Mallinder is relishing the return to Premiership action with the visit of old foes Saracens on Saturday.
After a run of Heineken Cup and LV= Cup games, the Saints are focused on maintaining their challenge for domestic honours.
Mallinder, who has made four changes to his line-up with starts for Stephen Myler, Calum Clark, Christian Day and Dan Vickerman, said: "We've had a bit of a break from the Premiership with the Heineken Cup and LV= Cup and we're really looking forward to getting back to the league.
"We know we will have to improve on last week's performance tomorrow because it will be tough. Saracens like to get on the front foot and like to play with width, which we know from our experiences last year.
Motivation
"We will have to play at our very best. We were disappointed to concede against Leeds. In the second half we stepped up and we will need to do that this week.
"It's a big game. We know where we are in the league and we know where Saracens are, in a very similar position to us. We also know that if we win we will have four league points, and that's a massive motivation for us."
Saracens, who won twice at Franklin's Gardens last season, have also made four changes to their line-up.
Schalk Brits, Carlos Nieto, Justin Melck and England Saxons centre Brad Barritt have all been named in the starting XV.
Andy Saull and fit-again Michael Tagicakibau have been named on the bench.
Northampton: 15 Greig Tonks, 14 Bruce Reihana, 13 Jon Clarke, 12 James Downey, 11 Paul Diggin, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Ryan Powell, 8 Roger Wilson, 7 Phil Dowson (capt), 6 Calum Clark, 5 Christian Day, 4 Dan Vickerman, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Brett Sharman, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Andy Long, 17 Alex Waller, 18 Tom Mercey, 19 Mark Sorenson, 20 Mark Easter, 21 Stuart Commins, 22 Shane Geraghty, 23 Scott Armstrong.
Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 David Strettle, 13 Rodd Penney, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 Chris Wyles, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Neil de Kock, 8 Ernst Joubert (capt), 7 Jacques Burger, 6 Justin Melck, 5 Mouritz Botha, 4 Hayden Smith, 3 Carlos Nieto, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Rhys Gill.
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Jared Saunders, 18 Matt Stevens, 19 Hugh Vyvyan, 20 Andy Saull, 21 Richard Wigglesworth, 22 Michael Tagicakibau, 23 James Short.