News: HC: Northampton Saints vs Scarlets - Match Preview
By Bonso
November 17 2011
After last weekend's narrow Thomond Park reverse Northampton Saints must regroup for what is now a must-win Heineken Cup game. Saints welcome Scarlets to Franklin's Gardens for a Friday evening kick-off and regular COYSDC contributor, Bonso, looks forward to another eagerly awaited encounter...
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS vs. SCARLETS
Friday, 18th November, 2011 - 8pm (Sky)
HEINEKEN CUP POOL ONE - MATCH TWO
FRANKLIN'S GARDENS
MATCH PREVIEW
A West Walian Friday At Franklins
Over the years we have had some pretty intense tussles with Llanelli and then Scarlets. Who can forget the hand of Boobyer and Grayson's winning kick or Steve Thompsons late try with us all pointing for him to put it under the posts at Stradey. To even things up Scarlets hard fought win in 2004 was intense as I am sure Friday nights encounter will be.
With apologies to those who are inconvenienced by Friday night kick offs, I think that Friday night European Games are something special. Under the lights it just seems more focused, brighter and more intense.
Scarlets come into this game off the back of a good win at home to Castre and despite an indifferent start during the World Cup (with all the squad problems that brings) are starting to hit their straps much in the same way Saints have as late.
Saints have lots to be wary about this Scarlets team it has serious pace, skill and strength in the backs with the likes of North, Lamont, and Davies. Scarlets also have options at fly-half with rising star Priestland and old hand the ever reliable and immensely experienced Stephen Jones. I am also sure that the remaining backs will be a handful as well.
Upfront Scarlets don't appear to be as vulnerable as last season with 2 capped Hookers in Rees and Owens and ex Wales Sevens skipper Edwards at 7. Although by some reports creaking somewhat against Castre they kept it together to deny the French a bonus point. However can they do that without home advantage against the wounded Saints?
Baring injuries I would expect Scarlets to be unchanged
L Williams; North, S Williams, J Davies, Lamont; S Jones, Knoyle; I Thomas, M Rees, R Thomas, Day, Welch, Shingler, J Edwards, Morgan, Timani
Saints I would hope have channelled their grievances into playing the best rugby they can to assuage the memories of Thomand. The forwards mind games have already started and in that battle I think with a fair rub of the green we will win plenty of ball and decisions. It will be interesting to see how the Scarlets will cope with the pressure and to see who stands up first and who gets to go forward. Reading the intentions in this area of Mr Fitzgibbon will be vital.
If the competition upfront is tasty the backs is a feast. Foden has been pronounced fit so I would expect the same starters as last week with the only real decision being between May (if fit) and Downey. It will be a great spectacle as well to see how we fare against the oh so quick giant George North. The confrontation in the centres is for me the key to the match and the decision Saints have to make is do we play stop Lamont and Davies getting it wide early or do we have the confidence to say well anything you can do we can do better. Of course all this depends on how and when you get the egg.
Again baring injuries and rotation Saints unchanged
Foden; Ashton, Clarke, Downey, Artemyev; Lamb, Dickson; Tonga'uiha, Hartley, Mujati, Lawes, Sorenson, Clark, Wood, Wilson.
I think if Saints get the squeeze on upfront this will not be a try fest, but I think Saints will ultimately prevail by about 12 points.
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Many thanks!
Ta Bons.