Can King Carlos reign on Irish?

By JonnyC
October 19 2005

You have to go back to the 2001/2002 season for Northampton Saints' last home win against London Irish in the Premiership. The Exiles have beaten Saints three seasons in a row at Franklins Gardens.

The last match ending in a nail-biting 21-20 win after 15 minutes of injury time just as it seemed Wylie Human's last gasp try could be converted to win the match for the Haloed Ones. Happy hunting indeed.

The premiership form guide points to another victory for the visitors; W-L-L-W lifting them into 6th. Saints in 11th are at the wrong end of the table winning just one from four matches.

Carlos Spencer ran the match against Newport-Gwent Dragons in the Powderpuff Cup, but can his kicking skills be relied upon? Bruce Reihana may be passed these duties again. What of the dangerous John Clarke threatening the Irish defence from centre? Will Geoff Appleford be fit to get one over on his old club (he's scored two tries already this term)?

Is Steve Thompson to return at hooker or No 6. Neck injury my foot! Dan Richmond and Dylan Hartley may be on the bench watching "Wally" Thompson disrupt his own line-out; as if Mr Casey and Mr Roche needed any help in that department. Saint's prop Colin Noon is surely out of the reckoning along with our own front-row maestro Rob "Hero" Hardwick.

This match sees the now annual 'Saints With Heart' walk. Griff and Big Al are taking part in this. The trek to Franklins Gardens next Saturday is a long one for them indeed. Our thanks go out to the brave pair who are this year following in the footsteps of MWM and No Expert who undertook the walk two years ago. If the walk is as strenuous this time as it was then they'll need plying with drinks once they reach Franklin's Gardens.

Last four results at Franklins Gardens:-

2004/5  Saints 20-21 Irish
2003/4  Saints 24-30 Irish
2002/3  Saints 10-22 Irish
2001/2  Saints 24-15 Irish