Northampton Saints
News: Saints v Saracens - Match Preview
By David Lowrence
February 11 2009
Well, here we are again, back in the Premiership race with the visit of Saracens to the Gardens on Saturday. Hopefully Piggy's Patch will have been cosseted under a warm covering to ensure playability, while the players have had a short break to cogitate on and address the issues so apparent at the Stoop two weeks ago, and coil the spring for the backlash they need to delver.
Guinness Premiership Round 13
Northampton Saints v Saracens
Franklin's Gardens, Saturday 14th February, KO 3pm.
Northampton Saints v Saracens
Franklin's Gardens, Saturday 14th February, KO 3pm.
It's been an eventful couple of weeks off the field for Saracens. Rumours about a takeover by the Saffie investors and a move to the little ground near Chelsea; their recently appointed CEO making a spirited appearance on the supporters' SportNetwork board, culminating in the departure of their respected DoR, Eddie Jones after 1 year of his 3 year contract, and the announcement of Matt Dawson's Nemesis, Dr Venter as their 12th DoR since 2000.
Saracens will make their attempt on Saints' unbeaten home record with a side that sits one position and 7 points above us in the table, with recent wins over Bristol, Viadana and Mont de Marsan. The gap between 7th and 8th represents the daylight appearing between the top and bottom of the premiership, and in order to kick on Saints need to win this match, to reduce that gap. Especially if, in the interest of East Midlands solidarity, Tigers can do us a favour and beat Wycombe Wasps on Sunday.
So who will the visiting FezHeads be cheering on come three o'clock on Saturday? Well not Borthers as he will be plodging around at the Millennium Stadium with a ball stuck up his jumper. Nor Moses Rauluni, Nick de Kock or Michael Owen, who are on the injury list. Apart from them (and apologies if I have missed any other Internationals), Eddie Jones can pick from a strong squad.
I expect their team to look something like:
(I am indebted to Gryff from the Saracens board, who has pointed out the errors in my original list. IHe kindly refrained from pointing out that this was down to my having "looked upon the wine when it was red", compounded by the lateness of the hour! his suggested changes are in red)
Nick Lloyd
Andy Kyriacou
Cencus Johnston
Hugh Vyvyan
Chris Jack
Wikus Van Heerden
Andy Saull
Ben Skirving
Justin Marshall
Glen Jackson
Brad Barritt
Noah Cato
Kevin Sorrell
Richard Haughton
Alex Goode
Kevin Sorrell
Richard Haughton
Alex Goode
With Cobus Visagie on for Johnson after Tiny has done battle with him! Man to watch is Glen Jackson, his kicking has dispirited Saints transgressors every time we meet. There may also be an appearance for the second highest capped All Black - Justin ‘Non - je ne jouerai pas - vous m'insultez en me demandant d'être sur le banc. Qui croyez-vous que je suis, Carlos Spencer?' Marshall.
The effect of the last two weeks events could affect the Watford Warriors one of two ways. Those who joined because of the vision expressed by Eddy Jones could either be totally disheartened because of his departure, or they could band together to win "one for the Gipper". We should therefore not speculate on this!
Saints come to this match after one of their most dire performances this season, at Harlequins. I feel sure that they will wish to ensure that the memory of that is dead and buried, especially (in spite of the ‘memory lane' thread on the board) as we have only beaten Saracens once in 8 games in the last 5 years - (58 -17 in February 2006 - "That Match"). My major concern is probably shared with Frank Hadden - "No Euan!." I believe the seeds of the downfall at Harlequins were sown in the front row, and I would hope to see some changes there, together with a back row that actually packs down this week. The shock of the abrupt departure of Carlos to pastures new should by now have dissipated, and I look to see a Saints side up to give an old enemy a drubbing.
MJ's bizarre (protective?) decision to not pick Ben Foden this week is his loss and our gain. Wherever he plays, Ben will be out to show what the youngsters can do.
My side for Saturday?
Dreyer
Sharman
Tonga'uiha
Kruger
Lobbe (I.F.)
Lawes
Best
Wilson
Dickson
Myler
Downey
Reihana
Ansbro
Diggin
Foden
Bench
Smith
Gray
Stewart
Hopley
Everett
Clarke
Starling
The officials are probably the finest set of Gentlemen ever to grace our hallowed turf, and I look forward to welcoming them all in true Saintly fashion. They are:
Referee: Greg Garner
Touch judges: Roy Maybank, Don Helme
Assessor: Tony Spreadbury
Television match official: David Hudson
Now the hard bit - I've got this far without mentioning that it is St. Valentine's Day, but as it is a Saint's day, 5 points from Cupid's dart and a broken heart for Sarries.
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Discussion started by ComeOnYouSaints.com , 11/02/2009 01:04
ComeOnYouSaints.com
11/02/2009 01:04
11/02/2009 01:04
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Excellent. I see you feel the need to qualify Lobbe with the additional "IF" - is that in preparation for "JM" or just wishful thinking?
Good stuff Dave, was thinking the very same about the Fezheads mental state of mind re Jones departure.
Good review and God knows what team or in what state we'll turn up on Saturday.
You did make me laugh though with your comments about Borthwick and then you listed him in your team !! I think Aguero is injured with Italy and Ongaro turned out for Italy last week and will prob be in their squad so those 3 will prob be replaced by Nick Lloyd, Andy Kyriacou and one of Hugh Vyvyan, Kris Chesney and Tom Ryder for second row.
Can we have 15 players too please! Prob Noah Cato on the one wing. Chris Wyles is with the Yanks playing 7's so it'll be ALex Goode or Richard Haughton at full back and depending if Ratavou is back he'll be on the other wing or it could be Huaghton or Penney!
You did make me laugh though with your comments about Borthwick and then you listed him in your team !! I think Aguero is injured with Italy and Ongaro turned out for Italy last week and will prob be in their squad so those 3 will prob be replaced by Nick Lloyd, Andy Kyriacou and one of Hugh Vyvyan, Kris Chesney and Tom Ryder for second row.
Can we have 15 players too please! Prob Noah Cato on the one wing. Chris Wyles is with the Yanks playing 7's so it'll be ALex Goode or Richard Haughton at full back and depending if Ratavou is back he'll be on the other wing or it could be Huaghton or Penney!
Thanks for the heads up nd suggestions
Apologies Gryff - too much red wine and too late in the evening - I will correct & credit you later today!
Apologies Gryff - too much red wine and too late in the evening - I will correct & credit you later today!
Glad to hear Wyles isn't playing; ex saints have a habit of coming back to haunt us. Seems like you blame the back row for Quins David, or just happy to have the main men back in contention ? Good preview thanks, just about sums it up, bring it on.
Saint til I die
Saint til I die
Now updated!
Howlin'
I believe the back row has come to depend on the front three doing all the work, allowing them to "hang on" to get the quick ball away. In the second half at the Stoop, when they all packed down properly, we won ball against the head.
Ian
I am preparing for the "JM" next season
Howlin'
I believe the back row has come to depend on the front three doing all the work, allowing them to "hang on" to get the quick ball away. In the second half at the Stoop, when they all packed down properly, we won ball against the head.
Ian
I am preparing for the "JM" next season
a good read, David.
Have you posted a link over "there"?
"It's not the despair, Saints, I can take the despair. It's the hope I can't stand."
Have you posted a link over "there"?
"It's not the despair, Saints, I can take the despair. It's the hope I can't stand."
Cheers Dave!
Mr G...why is it I can read French but not write it or speak it?
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
Mr G...why is it I can read French but not write it or speak it?
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
Je ne sais pas mon ami, il est peut-être parce que vous n'avez pas étudié à la Sorbonne, comme ce que j'ai fait.
Mme Thatcher could also speak french - after a fashion, mon brave. Do you have similar couilles?
M Chirac is brave, but stoopid....
"Your days are numbered. Use them to throw open the windows of your soul to the sun. If you do not, the sun will soon set, and you with it."
-- Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor 161-180 A.D.
M Chirac is brave, but stoopid....
"Your days are numbered. Use them to throw open the windows of your soul to the sun. If you do not, the sun will soon set, and you with it."
-- Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor 161-180 A.D.
Good review, thanks. Looking forward to a Sarries win on Saturday (and, good grief, a Pests one as well).
Quote:ChrisG
Eh bien, il fait un changement de tirer des poissons dans un baril.
What you on about Chris? Sumfink about fish in a barrel?????
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:02:11:22:11:10 by Flinstone Saint.
Can't see any way Dreyer will play. Surely we need experience against Census Johnston.
What about Mark Easter? I think Lawes will be away with U20s. Can't go without a second rower on the bench.
Agree that Sharman may start but with Shieldsy on the bench.
Are we sure that Foden will be releashed by England?
Clarkey's done little wrong.
However it's impossible to guess jim's selections
What about Mark Easter? I think Lawes will be away with U20s. Can't go without a second rower on the bench.
Agree that Sharman may start but with Shieldsy on the bench.
Are we sure that Foden will be releashed by England?
Clarkey's done little wrong.
However it's impossible to guess jim's selections
It makes a change from shooting fish in a barrel Wilma.
And Flattie I speak the french of the Languedoc-Roussillon Brigadé.
And Flattie I speak the french of the Languedoc-Roussillon Brigadé.
I had indeed noticed that Chris.
You will have noticed that I speak the French of Mid Ayrshire!
You will have noticed that I speak the French of Mid Ayrshire!
Good previewing, David.
I am looking forward (or maybe dreading!) to seeing Noah Cato - a great young player from what I've seen on TV.
I am looking forward (or maybe dreading!) to seeing Noah Cato - a great young player from what I've seen on TV.
Interesting selection. I also can't see JM risking Dreyer just yet and don't forget Monty should be available if needed. I think JM will also stick with a solid centre partnership of either Downey and Clarky or Mayer. I was one of the unfortunates who went to Quins. The pack certainly need to front up this week and provide quick ball.
Quote:SaintsDuncan
Is Lawes available? Won't he be on U20 duties?
Doh! RFU site has young Mr Lawes as recalled by the club so he will be available.
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