Eyes down look in! This is the start of the big one. The European cup, some say the biggest non-international tournament in world rugby. For Saints this is time to make up for the last two seasons disappointments even in the so called 'group of death' the players, coaches and supporters will expect more this year. For that to happen it is vital they win all of their home games.

The first clash for Saints pits them against the 1999 champions Ulster. The Irish province has suffered a similar fate to Saints since winning the trophy in that they have fared poorly ever since. Ulster also have some familiar faces in former Saint Johnny Bell and hooker Allan Clarke still has ties with the 'White Knights'.

Click the links for previews from Ulster web sites:
Ulster Rugby
Rugby Ulster

Ulster are going well this year as can be seen in their Celtic league results and are well placed in Celtic league pool A

So what sort of game can we expect on Saturday? Well who knows! The form lines are incomparable but I have a feeling this will be rough and tough, with no quarter asked or given.

Here are the expert opinions for this seasons tournament:
Carling's Euro Guide
Telegraph
The Times
Sporting Life
Independent
BBC

Team News
Saints
15 NICK BEAL
14 ORIOL RIPOL
13 Mark Tucker
12 JOHN LESLIE (capt)
11 BEN COHEN
10 PAUL GRAYSON
9 MATT DAWSON
1 TOM SMITH
2 STEVE THOMPSON
3 Robbie Morris
4 STEVE WILLIAMS
5 MARK CONNORS
6 ANDREW BLOWERS
7 BUDGE POUNTNEY
8 Mark Soden

Ulster
15 Bryn Cunningham
14 James Topping
13 Shane Stewart
12 Johnny Bell
11 Tyrone Howe
10 David Humphreys
9 Neil Doak
1 Justin Fitzpatrick
2 Matt Sexton
3 Rob Kempson
4 Gary Longwell
5 Jeremy Davidson (Captain)
6 Warren Brosnihan
7 Neil McMillan
8 Tony McWhirter

Replacements: Simon Best; Paul Shields; Mark Blair; Neil Best; Kieran Campbell; Adam Larkin; Scott Young

History
There is no history between these two sides! As far as I know Saints have never played Ulster!!!

If you're going to the Game...

Keep an eye on the Northampton weather
Weather outlook

Also check out the BBC ground guide it is slightly out of date as Franklin's Gardens is now a three sided horseshoe stadium with a 12 600 capacity and the pasties are surely worth more than 7. Other than that it tells you all you need to know!
BBC guide to Franklin’s Gardens

If you can't make it...
The game is live on British Eurosport

There's also live commentary on BBC Radio Northampton or live on the Internet via the Official site.
Live audio link