By Simon Robinson
February 3 2011

Northampton Saints welcome Leeds Carnegie to Franklin's Gardens this Saturday afternoon in the final round of pool games in the LV= Cup. Regular COYSDC contributor Simon Robinson looks forward to the game...

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS vs. LEEDS CARNEGIE

LV= Cup Saturday, 5th February 2011 - 3pm

FRANKLIN'S GARDENS

MATCH PREVIEW

Saints take on Leeds at Franklin’s Gardens this weekend, in that rarest of all things – a Saturday 3pm KO, in the last round of LV Cup pool games. With both teams virtually out of the competition, and also missing players for the first round of the Six Nations, there will be a lot of different faces on the pitch.

The two teams have yet to meet this season, with the game scheduled for December called off as the Headingley area was snow-bound. Leeds have struggled this season, winning only one league match but putting in some good performances in the Amlin, albeit in a relatively weak pool.

Since winning the competition with a strong side last season, Saints have focused elsewhere – a strong start to the league and top seeding in the Heineken quarter finals means they haven’t tried too hard to defend the trophy. Giving several Academy and new squad players debuts (most of the team at the Madejski signed on this season) has shown the depth of the squad.

These teams will no doubt meet again soon – a likely date for the Headingley fixture will be LV semi final weekend (12th March) and Leeds return to Franklin’s Gardens on the last day of the league season (7th May).

Saints will not want to throw away this game, in front of a near-capacity home crowd buoyed by the Saints’ first “Charities Day”. Organisations such as the BHF, NSPCC, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Wooden Spoon have all been given tickets for free. These have then been sold at heavily discounted prices to benefit a wide range of charities.

I would expect a strong Saints XV, as the majority of the “first choice” squad had a rest last week. They won’t want to go into next week’s home game against Saracens too rusty, so I think we’ll see something like:

Tonga’uiha, Sharman, Mujati; Sorensen, Eustace; Clark, Dowson, Wilson; Powell, Ford; Reihana, Downey, Clarke, Diggin; Tonks.

Bench: Waller, Long, Mercey, Hicks, Easter, Commins, Geraghty, Elliott.

No idea what the Leeds team will be, as they have to concentrate on winning at least one more league fixture (still having to play nearest team Newcastle twice) so they may field a weaker side to try and avoid injuries to their best players.

A small note to those reading this: I managed to write this preview in around 10 minutes (I know, it shows…). This site thrives on its articles – previews and match reports – and it is through these articles that ComeOnYouSaints.com gets the majority of its SportNetwork income which helps to cover the cost of running the site. I’m sure most out there could do better, so why not look at the “Previews and Match Reports for February” thread and sign up…

News: LV: Northampton Saints vs Leeds - Match Preview

Discussion started by ComeOnYouSaints.com , 03/02/2011 13:04

ComeOnYouSaints.com
03/02/2011 13:04

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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Phil.
03/02/2011 13:05

Thanks for this, Simon, it really is appreciated!

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Wee Jim
03/02/2011 14:05

Good preview SImon and Im looking forward to the 3pm KO. As you say I hope they dont rest too many ahead of the game next weekend.
Point well made at the end and duly noted!

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St.Rich Joe, Niamh and Sam's Dad
03/02/2011 14:08

well done smurf

No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.

Dryathlon

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Howlin
03/02/2011 19:30

Well done Smurfy, I think I agree about the team , but it's very hard to call.

Rich maybe you should think about changing your sig. I keep reading it as if everything you post is taking the p!ss. maybe its just me

Saint til I die

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StBleach
04/02/2011 06:57

Well done Smurf - Im looking forward to the game and a first outing for my brand new hat. Not really bothered who plays if Im honest. ( ps, I could be in a very bad mood after tonights encounter or, very hungover following a fantastic Welsh victory)

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Stockers
04/02/2011 14:18

Nice appetiser Simon and now the team has been announced, even tastier!!

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Saint Dom in Hanoi
04/02/2011 23:16

Good and erudite prose, and most welcome, your Smurfness.

Do you think we have to beat Leeds, to ensure that we play them in the 'spare' weekend (12 March?)?

Your point is well made about the reporting scribes.

Maybe we could pay them - if their reports are voted the best?

Come on Red Saint and all you other literati - get scribbling...

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St Marlowe
05/02/2011 00:10

Quote:

Big Bucks Dom
Maybe we could pay them

What d'yer mean "we" Jp Morgan?

David L

What if there were no hypothetical questions?

- Live wrong and preposterously

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