Northampton v Scarlets: Teams

Jim Mallinder: Has named unchanged XV

Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder has named an unchanged starting line-up for the Saints' Heineken Cup clash with the Scarlets.

The hosts go into the game at Franklin's Gardens on the back of a narrow 23-21 loss to Munster, and Mallinder has kept faith in the same players that started that match.

And while the Saints boss admitted that his side have found it hard to get over that late defeat, he also says that they are fully focused on the next Pool One contest against the Scarlets.

"Games like last Saturday's don't disappear from your mind straight away, but you learn very quickly in this game to move on," Mallinder said.

"You have to move on to the next game, which for us is Friday night's game against the Scarlets.

"The Heineken Cup is a tough competition and we're in a tough pool. The Scarlets showed with their win over Castres that they deserve to be treated with respect.

Exciting

"They've got some exciting backs and a dynamic set of forwards who are very competitive at the breakdown and will ask lots of questions of us at the set piece."

"But myself and the other coaches have been very pleased with the reaction of our players in training this week. We know that we have been playing well and everyone has been positive in their attitude towards Friday's game."

Scarlets head coach Nigel Davies has left his side largely unchanged after their opening win against Castres but has made three alterations.

Stephen Jones has been replaced by fellow Wales international Rhys Priestland at fly-half while Gareth Davies comes in for Tavis Knoyle at scrum-half.

The final change sees lock Dominic Day replaced by Sione Timani, with another second row, Matt Gilbert, poised for a European debut off the bench.

"The effort, endeavour and commitment from all our players last weekend was evident, and we'll have to bring real belief, the ability to adapt our game and be sharp this weekend because it's going to be a big challenge," Davies said.

Northampton: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Jon Clarke, 12 James Downey, 11 Vas Artemyev, 10 Ryan Lamb, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Roger Wilson, 7 Tom Wood, 6 Calum Clark, 5 Mark Sorenson, 4 Courtney Lawes, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Mikey Haywood, 17 Alex Waller, 18 Paul Doran-Jones, 19 Samu Manoa, 20 Phil Dowson, 21 Martin Roberts, 22 Steve Myler, 23 George Pisi.

Scarlets: 15 Liam Williams, 14 George North, 13 Scott Williams, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Ben Morgan, 7 Jon Edwards, 6 Aaron Shingler, 5 Damian Welch, 4 Sione Timani, 3 Rhys Thomas, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Iestyn Thomas.
Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Phil John, 18 Rhodri Jones, 19 Lou Reed, 20 Matt Gilbert, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Stephen Jones, 23 Daniel Evans.