NORTHAMPTON SAINTS vs BRISTOL RUGBY

GP: SATURDAY, 3^rd JANUARY, 2009 – 3pm

FRANKLIN’S GARDENS

MATCH PREVIEW

I have to start this preview with an apology.  This whole article is light on detail and research.  This is not solely my fault.  I blame the very festive latter day Robin Hoods who, I am sure, took from me to distribute to the poor!  So, there I was IT-less, wallet less, camera less etc and laid up in bed with a very bad cold (not man flu either before anyone pipes up at the back) and I suddenly remembered that I was down for the preview. So here goes...

This week’s game is the final installment of our epic battle against Bristol Rugby this season.  4 down one to go Saints are in the ascendancy with 3 wins to one.  The elusive Guinness Premiership away win was close but we were pipped to the post by the narrowest of margins.  In all honesty I would have given one of the cup wins for the GP win.  I don't agree with Bristol's view that only the GP counts and therefore any old side can be fielded.  If I had paid hard earned cash to some of the games I would have been disappointed to say the least.  That said if we go down and Bristol stay up I am willing to eat a big helping of humble pie. The last game however demonstrated that Saints can win away against a premiership side, just not in the GP!

By all accounts Saints last game against Bath away was nothing to write home about, another loss and no bonus point either.  From my vantage point of wrapped up on the sofa listening to radio Noddy it was quite grim, not what I needed to raise my spirits.  But the Saints have shown this season that home advantage is something special.  If we can pick up the odd bonus point on the road and win our home games then I am sure we will be safe.  If we are the only GP team beaten by Bristol this season then I would be happy with that particular accolade as again we would be safe.

So, what should we expect this weekend?  Team selection may be interesting. I along with many others wanted Digger to have a starting spot and so he did.  But has his purple patch ended?  He did keep Lemi quiet in the last game against Bristol and indeed seemed to get great plaudits from the locals.  I reckon however that Ashton will get his place back with Digger on the bench.  Bruce has been a bit hit and miss so far.  A few too many misses for me especially passes to invisible wingers or indeed 10 foot tall wingers.  But as captain he will keep his place.  Monty is making sure that the defence stays honest and it's always good to have a big winger on the pitch. I've seen nothing wrong with the pairing of Downey and Clarke so would want to see them continue their partnership. 

So, the 10 shirt.   Smyler has shown this season that he can deliver the points on a regular basis. I like the tactic of banging a penalty early on in a game even if it's from half way and misses.  It fires a warning shot across the bows of the opposition.  Carlos however cuts the line to pieces.  His kicking game is not as good but I would like to see him start.  Bristol may then be a little naughty and give away easier penalties for Bruce to knock over, or with Ashton on the pitch our only kicker with a 100% record so far!  Scrum half should be Foden, his linking with Carlos is joy to behold.  He goes forward and worries defences and keeps the flankers busy.  Big Roger has to be in, even if he may have one eye on the coming to do's with the RFU.  Gray and Easter still for me too.  2nd row, I think Ray should have a go with Big Freddie Kruger with Day on the bench.  Nacho is going for the record of how many times he can get the physio on the pitch without having to be subbed.  He seems to take so many knocks I think he deserves a rest, even if it is only to the bench.  Front row remains the same, Tiny, Dylan and Euan.

At the time of writing, and with limited internet access, I don't know what team Bristol will go for but I would expect it to be as strong as possible.  This could well be a real test of our unbeaten home run.

I'm sure the coaching team has had the lads working hard this week and not just on the training pitch.  There needs to be real belief in how good this team can be.  With the Franklin's Massive behind them I'm going for a win with a bonus point.

May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy New Year (especially those poor people in A & B block who have to put up with me balling all the way through every match, sorry!)  May you all stay safe and prosper.

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