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Preview: Northampton v Wasps

Friday 19th September 2008

Focused: Mallinder expects a tough test against Wasps

Northampton coach Jim Mallinder has only made one change to his side for Saturday's Guinness Premiership clash against Wasps at Franklin's Gardens.

Jon Clarke has been forced out injured, and in his place comes Joe Ansbro - a player who has impressed Mallinder of late.

"Joe impressed when he came into the team towards the end of last season," he said.

"He is a player with plenty of ability in both defence and attack as well as determination to make his mark in the Premiership."

Wasps, who have never lost their opening three games in twenty-one years of top flight league rugby, have made eight changes to their side.

Club captain Rapha�l Iba�ez has dropped out of the squad altogether due to injury, and in his place comes Joe Ward, with Phil Vickery taking over as captain.

Due to the RFU stipulations on EPS players Simon Shaw and Tom Rees drop out of the squad altogether, meaning Richard Birkett starts, as does John Hart.

Dan Leo is promoted to the bench, and will be joined by Serge Betsen and Mark Robinson - both set to make their debuts after signing in the off season.

"It is good to see Northampton back in their rightful place in the Guinness Premiership and we are very excited to go back to Franklin's Gardens -a ground which has proved to be a hotbed of rugby," said Head Coach Shaun Edwards.

"After two defeats for both sides we can expect a highly competitive battle. The game will be a special one for both Mark Robinson and Pat Barnard returning to the home of their former club and the whole squad know they have a hugely important game in front of them."

Form: Northampton Saints lost their first competitive game since April 2007 at Newcastle on Sunday. The Saints have not been defeated at Franklin's Gardens since the visit of London Irish on 28 April 2007. In 21 seasons of league rugby London Wasps have never begun a campaign with three successive losses. Wasps however have actually won their last six away games in the Guinness Premiership, not counting the 'away' visit to Twickenham to play London Irish on the opening day of the new season. The two teams have not met since the semi-final of the European Cup at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry when Wasps won 30-13 on 22 April 2007. Wasps last win at Franklin's Gardens was 21-13 on 12 November 2005.

The Teams:

Northampton: 15 Bruce Reihana (c), 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Joe Ansbro, 12 James Downey, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Carlos Spencer, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Roger Wilson, 7 Scott Gray, 6 Neil Best, 5 Christian Day, 4 Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Paul Shields, 17 Barry Stewart, 18 Tom Smith, 19 Alex Rae, 20 Mark Hopley, 21 Ben Foden, 22 Stephen Myler.

Wasps: 15 Josh Lewsey, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Dominic Waldouck, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Tom Voyce, 10 Dave Walder, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 John Hart, 7 James Haskell, 6 Joe Worsley, 5 Tom Palmer, 4 Richard Birkett, 3 Phil Vickery (c), 2 Joe Ward, 1 Tim Payne.
Replacements: 16 Rob Webber, 17 Pat Barnard, 18 Dan Leo, 19 Serge Betsen, 20 Mark Robinson, 21 Jeremy Staunton, 22 Rob Hoadley.

Date: Saturday 20 September, 2008
Kick-off: 15:00 BST (14:00 GMT)
Venue: Franklin's Gardens
Referee: Chris White
Touch judges: Paul Dix, Alan Biggs
Television match official: Brian Abrahams