NORTHAMPTON SAINTS vs. LEICESTER TIGERS

LV= CUP: Saturday, 6^th February, 2010 – 3pm

FRANKLIN’S GARDENS

MATCH PREVIEW

The Aussies, it’s said, believe that there are only two important matches in the world cup, the semi-final and the final. The same is highly true of the Loved Up Anglo Welsh malarkey, except perhaps this weekend. For on Saturday the East Midlands bragging rights are once again up for grabs.

I love the East Midlands derby and whilst it’s probably still true that it means more to us than them, there is no doubt that this is one of the most anticipated encounters of the season. Forget that some view this as a Mickey Mouse cup. Forget that both teams are seriously weakened by international call-ups. The players will want to win this badly not just for local pride but because both sides have a chance to progress to that all-important semi-final.

For the Saints the picture is straightforward, win the match, and they’re in the semis. For Tigers it’s a bit more tricky and even a good win could have them looking over their shoulders at other results.

So what sort of teams can we expect? Well Saints are definitely without Hartley, Lawes, Foden, Gray and Murray but there is a strong rumour that Ashton is made available. Quite what the Snake Charmer thinks of his experience with England so far is anybody’s guess. I’d expect that publicly he will be thrilled to involved at that level but privately he must be wondering what happens between being called up and then sent back again. England’s loss is very much the Saints gain. Finally it’s hoped that all three high profile leavers will be involved on Saturday. I intend to enjoy every last minute left in the Franklin’s Gardens careers of Best, Kruger and Tonga’uiha, it’s a shame to see them go but they still have a big part to play in a potentially brilliant season. If all that’s true then the side predicted below looks very capable indeed.

Possible Saints side:

Reihana
Ashton
Ansbro
Downey
Diggin
Myler
Dickson
Tonga'uiha
Sharman
Mujati
Lobbe
Kruger
Best
Easter
Wilson

For Tigers, it is believed that Richard Cockerill intends to stick with the side that thrashed Bath 27-11 at Welford Road. Tigers probably wrote the book on strength in depth and as per usual that side are nobody’s mugs. There’s a real blend of youth, experience, power and pace plus the usual Tigerish standards in the set pieces. It won’t be easy!

Probable Tigers team:

Amorosino

Tuilagi

Twelvetrees

Mauger (c)

Smith

Vesty

Ellis

Stankovich

Duffey

White

Green

Kay

Pienaar

Woods

Deacon

So we arrive at the tricky point in the match preview, the predicted result. Well this born and bred Northamptonian is genetically programmed to see it only one-way…Saints by 12! That outrageous prediction is based on several hard facts, Saints rarely lose at the Gardens and have lost only once in the last 12 matches. I also think this is the best chance of some silverware this season, so the kitchen sink will be thrown at our nearest and dearest.

To the players, management, support staff and supporters of Leicester Tigers, we say welcome to Franklin’s Gardens, enjoy your stay but leave us with the points!

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