London Irish v Northampton Saints

Saints go marching to the Madjedski Stadium this Saturday looking for their 4th win of the season afer a thorough workout againts the pretenders to their crown Bath.  While London Irish will be looking for their 3rd win after being buoyed up from their first Welford Road victory against a struggling Tigers team.  Elma Fudd takes a look at what may be in store at this weekends game.

Orish are always a team that as a spectator I am wary of and always feel that they have the capacity to produce a special game out of the hat. Their front row of Tom Court, David Paice and Halani 'Aulika should provide a good contest for the likely Saints front row of Mafu,Hartley and Waller at scrumtime and, while I feel we should outdo them there, I would not be suprisied to see some handbags between the front row early on. Providing Daisy is fit I feel we should go well in the lineout and I wouldn't be suprised if the rolling maul is put to more use than it was against Bath's strong pack as I think saints will feel they can earn yards there. 

They are aggresive at the breakdown with Skivington and Low who clear out very well and for me this is where Irish beat Tigers by 'out Tigering' them with some very good and streetwise play against a relatively inexperienced Tigers pack. Clark and co will have to battle hard there to secure us the fast ball we need to give our backs the room to unlock the defence and if they can do to us what they did to Tigers in this area it could be quite a frustrating day as a travelling Saint. I feel this could be the key battle area. 

They have talent throughout the back line and their crown jewel is former Saint Shane Geraghty especially playing from 12 where I think he has less pressure to perform miracles which allows him to play his natural game. I think he is probably their chief dangerman as when he is in form he can create scores from nothing. Last season at FG I thought he put in a MOTM performance and he seems to have carried that form through into this season, obviously he enjoys being back in Reading and also I think being at 12 as well. Inside of him he is likely to have Chris Noakes and Scott Steel who I haven't seen a lot of but from the little I have seen look to be a solid pairing. Their Back 3 of Fenby, Lewington and Short not to mention Ojo who was on the bench last week can cause issues if given room to work in as well. 

I don't think we are likely to see too many changes from last week except for Waller for the incredibly unlucky Corbs (you are not a let down big man) although if Wood(Back) and Lawes (Shoulder) are available they may start. However if Wood is still crocked I have no worries if Jon Fisher gets a start. He has been a real find so far and has more than earned his starting place. In James Craig we have an able replacement for Lawes and again I wouldn't be worried if he started as I thought he played very well against Bath. So out on a limb I think we could see something like. 

15. Foden 
14. Pisi K 
13. Pisi G 
12. Burrell 
11. North 
10. Mlyer 
9. Dickson 
8. Fisher/Manoa 
7. Wood/Fisher 
6. Clark 
5. Daisy 
4. Lawes/Craig 
3. Mafu 
2. Hartley 
1. Waller A 

and a very similar bench to last week with Ethan Waller replacing Alex. 

Without taking anything away from their win over Tigers, I don't think they could have faced last weeks opponents at a better time with Tigers struggling for consistancy in an injury ravaged side. That said, victory at the roundabout for any visitor should not be under-estimated and Irish confidence will by high. They won't fear us on their own patch and nor should they. If they can frustrate us and prevent us playing our natural game they have the tools to pull out another victory from the hat. After all, they are at home and Saints look to have a few big names unavailable.  I don't think Saints will be complacent though given that our only loss of the season to date came against a team that on paper at least we should have beaten. Should be a good game which I hope Saints will prevail in and win by 10. 

Good luck Saints and anyone going. Make sure you sing the dirge loud enough to drown out the Drums