sport news Northampton Saints rotate their squad for sell-out East Midlands derby while ... trends now
Northampton have ignited the countdown to another blood-and-thunder East Midlands derby by rotating their squad for the sell-out clash with Leicester, which could confirm a profound shift in the local balance of power.
When the Saints’ line-up was announced, it became apparent that director of rugby Phil Dowson had opted to manage his players load, with some eye-catching selections. England full-back George Furbank will line up at No 10 – as he has done for club and country before – as Fin Smith is restricted to a bench role, along with Tommy Freeman. Courtney Lawes is not in the match-day 23 at all.
This is an indication of the careful balancing act for Northampton over the next month or so, as they challenge for major titles on two fronts. The experience and influence of Lawes may be needed against Harlequins at Twickenham next weekend – and it will be absolutely essential for the titanic Champions Cup semi-final showdown with Leinster at Croke Park in Dublin on May 5.
Yet, before those marquee fixtures comes a derby encounter loaded with layers of significance, as always. There will be a full house of 15,153 at Franklin’s Gardens as the fierce rivals lock horns yet again. Northampton are desperate to win, to leave themselves all but assured of a home semi-final in the Premiership, while a heavy defeat for Leicester would virtually extinguish their own hopes of a top-four finish.
The Tigers know it is more or less win-or-bust, so they will make the short journey with a powerful side. Dan Cole will make a club-record 235th league appearance for Leicester, beating the mark set by fellow prop Graham Rowntree.
Northampton's Director of Rugby Phil Dowson has rotated his squad against Leicester Tigers
Courtney Lawes is not in the match-day 23 at all for the sold-out East Midlands derby
Freddie Steward is on the wing, Tommy Reffell is back for an openside duel with Lewis Ludlam and Jack van Poortvliet will go toe to toe with the man who has usurped him as England’s first-choice scrum-half, Jack van Poortvliet. Argentina captain Julian Montoya faces an intriguing match-up with home hooker Curtis Langdon, who is playing himself into contention for a Test call-up.
Northampton lost the reverse fixture at Welford Road 26-17 last November, but they have enjoyed a long period of home rule – winning the last 10 games in all competitions at their own ground. They lead the
