News: Saints v Saracens - Match Preview

By David Lowrence
February 11 2009

Well, here we are again, back in the Premiership race with the visit of Saracens to the Gardens on Saturday. Hopefully Piggy's Patch will have been cosseted under a warm covering to ensure playability, while the players have had a short break to cogitate on and address the issues so apparent at the Stoop two weeks ago, and coil the spring for the backlash they need to delver.

Guinness Premiership Round 13
Northampton Saints v Saracens
Franklin's Gardens, Saturday 14th February, KO 3pm.

It's been an eventful couple of weeks off the field for Saracens. Rumours about a takeover by the Saffie investors and a move to the little ground near Chelsea; their recently appointed CEO making a spirited appearance on the supporters' SportNetwork board, culminating in the departure of their respected DoR, Eddie Jones after 1 year of his 3 year contract, and the announcement of Matt Dawson's Nemesis, Dr Venter as their 12th DoR since 2000.

Saracens will make their attempt on Saints' unbeaten home record with a side that sits one position and 7 points above us in the table, with recent wins over Bristol, Viadana and Mont de Marsan. The gap between 7th and 8th represents the daylight appearing between the top and bottom of the premiership, and in order to kick on Saints need to win this match, to reduce that gap. Especially if, in the interest of East Midlands solidarity, Tigers can do us a favour and beat Wycombe Wasps on Sunday.

So who will the visiting FezHeads be cheering on come three o'clock on Saturday? Well not Borthers as he will be plodging around at the Millennium Stadium with a ball stuck up his jumper. Nor Moses Rauluni, Nick de Kock or Michael Owen, who are on the injury list. Apart from them (and apologies if I have missed any other Internationals), Eddie Jones can pick from a strong squad.
I expect their team to look something like:

(I am indebted to Gryff from the Saracens board, who has pointed out the errors in my original list. IHe kindly refrained from pointing out that this was down to my having "looked upon the wine when it was red", compounded by the lateness of the hour! his suggested changes are in red)

Nick Lloyd
Andy Kyriacou
Cencus Johnston
Hugh Vyvyan
Chris Jack
Wikus Van Heerden
Andy Saull
Ben Skirving
Justin Marshall
Glen Jackson
Brad Barritt

Noah Cato
Kevin Sorrell
Richard Haughton
Alex Goode

With Cobus Visagie on for Johnson after Tiny has done battle with him! Man to watch is Glen Jackson, his kicking has dispirited Saints transgressors every time we meet. There may also be an appearance for the second highest capped All Black - Justin ‘Non - je ne jouerai pas - vous m'insultez en me demandant d'être sur le banc. Qui croyez-vous que je suis, Carlos Spencer?' Marshall.

The effect of the last two weeks events could affect the Watford Warriors one of two ways. Those who joined because of the vision expressed by Eddy Jones could either be totally disheartened because of his departure, or they could band together to win "one for the Gipper". We should therefore not speculate on this!

Saints come to this match after one of their most dire performances this season, at Harlequins. I feel sure that they will wish to ensure that the memory of that is dead and buried, especially (in spite of the ‘memory lane' thread on the board) as we have only beaten Saracens once in 8 games in the last 5 years - (58 -17 in February 2006 - "That Match"). My major concern is probably shared with Frank Hadden - "No Euan!." I believe the seeds of the downfall at Harlequins were sown in the front row, and I would hope to see some changes there, together with a back row that actually packs down this week. The shock of the abrupt departure of Carlos to pastures new should by now have dissipated, and I look to see a Saints side up to give an old enemy a drubbing.

MJ's bizarre (protective?) decision to not pick Ben Foden this week is his loss and our gain. Wherever he plays, Ben will be out to show what the youngsters can do.

My side for Saturday?
Dreyer
Sharman
Tonga'uiha
Kruger
Lobbe (I.F.)
Lawes
Best
Wilson
Dickson
Myler
Downey
Reihana
Ansbro
Diggin
Foden

Bench
Smith
Gray
Stewart
Hopley
Everett
Clarke
Starling

The officials are probably the finest set of Gentlemen ever to grace our hallowed turf, and I look forward to welcoming them all in true Saintly fashion. They are:

Referee: Greg Garner
Touch judges: Roy Maybank, Don Helme
Assessor: Tony Spreadbury
Television match official: David Hudson

Now the hard bit - I've got this far without mentioning that it is St. Valentine's Day, but as it is a Saint's day, 5 points from Cupid's dart and a broken heart for Sarries.

News: Saints v Saracens - Match Preview

Posted by: ComeOnYouSaints.com (IP Logged)

Date: 11/02/2009 01:04

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