News
Preview: Northampton v Bristol
October 03 2008
Northampton Saints Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder will hand debuts to both Nils Mordt and Rob Milligan for Saturday's EDF Energy Cup clash with Bristol at Franklin's Gardens.
Mordt will don the twelve jersey, whilst Milligan takes his place in the side at number eight. Several more players could also make their first team bow should they come off the bench, and the Saints boss says that all of the players involved are eager to demonstrate what they can do on a big stage.
"Competition for starting places has been fierce all season," he said.
"All of the players have trained well. We have an unbeaten home record that we are proud of and I want this to continue on Saturday.
"The EDF Energy Cup is an important competition for us. But we are also in the middle of a tough run of matches and have to manage our squad, particularly after two physically demanding encounters at Saracens and Leicester."
Bristol have also rung the changes as they look to pick up a win that would boost flagging confidence.
Head Coach Richard Hill, whilst making several changes, is still able to name a team containing six full internationals.
Several players are making their first starts of the season, with Mathew Turner and Chris Ashwin making their club debuts.
"This game is probably much more important now. We need a win," Hill said.
"It doesn't matter where it comes from. But it will give the club a boost. This game at Northampton is of quite significant importance."
Form: The Saints are unbeaten in their last 19 home games in all competitions since the 5-7 loss to Gloucester in the Premiership on 3 March 2007. Bristol have not won on the road since a 28-8 victory at Newcastle in the Premiership on 16 March. Bristol's only win in their last five EDF Energy Cup ties was 18-11 over the Scarlets at Memorial Stadium on 28 October 2007. Bristol won both of the most recent encounters with Northampton in season 2006-07 in the Premiership, whilst the Saints last win at Memorial Stadium was 19-16 in the Premiership on 30 April 2006.
The Teams:
Northampton: 15 Paul Diggin, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Chris Mayor, 12 Nils Mordt, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Barry Everett, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Rob Milligan, 7 Ben Lewitt, 6 Courtney Lawes, 5 Matt Lord, 4 Alex Rae (c), 3 Barry Stewart, 2 Paul Shields, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Joe Gray, 17 Jon Vickers, 18 Ben Broster, 19 James Cannon, 20 Liam Neale, 21 John Brake, 22 Nick Greenhalgh.
Bristol: 15 Vunga Lilo, 14 Lee Robinson, 13 Luke Eves, 12 Kevin Maggs, 11 Mathew Turner, 10 Chris Ashwin, 9 Haydn Thomas, 8 Iain Grieve, 7 Redford Pennycook, 6 Matt Salter (c), 5 Robert Sidoli, 4 Roy Winters, 3 Peter Bracken, 2 Mark Regan, 1 Mark Irish.
Replacements: 16 David Blaney, 17 Alex Clarke, 18 Dave Attwood, 19 Chevvy Pennycook, 20 Sam Alford, 21 Ed Barnes, 22 Greg Barnes.
Date: Saturday 4 October, 2008
Kick-off: 15:00 BST (14:00 GMT)
Venue: Franklin's Gardens
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Touch judges: David Bodilly (Wales), Scott Fleming (Wales)
Television match official: Brian Abrahams (England)