Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
By Saint Ted
March 1 2019
SARACENS vs NORTHAMPTON SAINTSGallagher Premiership Rugby, Round 15Saturday 2 March 2019Allianz ParkKick-off: 3pm
Lewis Ludlam will captain Northampton Saints for the first time on Saturday, with director of rugby Chris Boyd making six changes to the side to lock horns with Saracens.
The men in Black, Green and Gold travel to Allianz Park with six back-to-back home victories under their belt – including last weekend’s nail-biting 27-26 triumph over Bath – but beating the league leaders on away soil represents a fresh challenge.
Saints have won four of their last five Gallagher Premiership matches and scored over seven tries per game on average in 2019, although are without a win at Saracens since 2015.
Boyd makes four changes to his pack but last week’s match-winner David Ribbans keeps his place in the second row alongside Fijian lock Api Ratuniyarawa.
Jamie Gibson returns at flanker alongside skipper Ludlam, who continues his run in the side, while there’s a first run out in the No.8 jersey this season for Heinrich Brüssow.
Paul Hill – who signed a new contract with the Club on Wednesday – is the only constant in the front row from last weekend’s victory over Bath, with hooker James Fish and prop Francois van Wyk recalled to the scrum.
After a try and a man-of-the-match performance last time out, Alex Mitchell holds on to the No.9 jersey for the trip to Allianz Park and he will look to pull the strings alongside fly-half James Grayson.
Rory Hutchinson switches to inside centre this week to make room for the returning Fraser Dingwall, who plays for the first time since leading England under-20s on international duty.
And after impressing off the bench against Bath, Ken Pisi makes his first league start in Black, Green and Gold since September, joining Ahsee Tuala and George Furbank in the back three.
Saints will look to exploit space in the latter stages with the lightning-fast Cobus Reinach and Tom Collins set to be unleashed from the bench, while Boyd can also call on the experience of Tom Wood, Alex Waller, Luther Burrell and Ben Franks from amongst the replacements.
15 George Furbank
14 Ken Pisi
13 Fraser Dingwall
12 Rory Hutchinson
11 Ahsee Tuala
10 James Grayson
9 Alex Mitchell
1 Francois Van Wyk
2 James Fish
3 Paul Hill
4 David Ribbans
5 Api Ratuniyarawa
6 Jamie Gibson
7 Lewis Ludlam (c)
8 Heinrich Brüssow
Replacements:
16 Reece Marshall
17 Alex Waller
18 Ben Franks
19 Alex Moon
20 Tom Wood
21 Cobus Reinach
22 Luther Burrell
23 Tom Collins
Not available for selection:
Andy Symons (knee), Harry Mallinder (knee), Mikey Haywood (knee), Dylan Hartley (knee), Teimana Harrison (hamstring), Ehren Painter (calf), Courtney Lawes (calf), and Piers Francis (concussion).
For more info head to T'Offy
Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: Marching On (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 12:06
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Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: Walks11 (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 12:11
Saracens team to face Northampton Saints at Allianz Park on Saturday 2nd March (KO 15H00):
FORWARDS: Richard Barrington (158), Tom Woolstencroft (15), Christian Judge (13), Will Skelton (49), Nick Isiekwe (52), Calum Clark (33), Ben Earl (32), Jackson Wray (216).
BACKS: Max Malins (24), David Strettle (148), Nick Tompkins (89), Brad Barritt (239), Sean Maitland (55), Alex Goode (281), Ben Spencer (146).
REPLACEMENTS: Joe Gray (4), Titi Lamositele (66), Vincent Koch (56), Joel Kpoku (6), Schalk Burger (68), Richard Wigglesworth (226), Alex Lozowski (80), Matt Gallagher (28).
FORWARDS: Richard Barrington (158), Tom Woolstencroft (15), Christian Judge (13), Will Skelton (49), Nick Isiekwe (52), Calum Clark (33), Ben Earl (32), Jackson Wray (216).
BACKS: Max Malins (24), David Strettle (148), Nick Tompkins (89), Brad Barritt (239), Sean Maitland (55), Alex Goode (281), Ben Spencer (146).
REPLACEMENTS: Joe Gray (4), Titi Lamositele (66), Vincent Koch (56), Joel Kpoku (6), Schalk Burger (68), Richard Wigglesworth (226), Alex Lozowski (80), Matt Gallagher (28).
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: 1876-Fez (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 12:12
Us
FORWARDS: Richard Barrington (158), Tom Woolstencroft (15), Christian Judge (13), Will Skelton (49), Nick Isiekwe (52), Calum Clark (33), Ben Earl (32), Jackson Wray (216).
BACKS: Max Malins (24), David Strettle (148), Nick Tompkins (89), Brad Barritt (239), Sean Maitland (55), Alex Goode (281), Ben Spencer (146).
REPLACEMENTS: Joe Gray (4), Titi Lamositele (66), Vincent Koch (56), Joel Kpoku (6), Schalk Burger (68), Richard Wigglesworth (226), Alex Lozowski (80), Matt Gallagher (28).
I think you will edge it... :-(
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FORWARDS: Richard Barrington (158), Tom Woolstencroft (15), Christian Judge (13), Will Skelton (49), Nick Isiekwe (52), Calum Clark (33), Ben Earl (32), Jackson Wray (216).
BACKS: Max Malins (24), David Strettle (148), Nick Tompkins (89), Brad Barritt (239), Sean Maitland (55), Alex Goode (281), Ben Spencer (146).
REPLACEMENTS: Joe Gray (4), Titi Lamositele (66), Vincent Koch (56), Joel Kpoku (6), Schalk Burger (68), Richard Wigglesworth (226), Alex Lozowski (80), Matt Gallagher (28).
I think you will edge it... :-(
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Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: Saint Matt (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 12:22
Fantastic that Boyd trusts Ludlam to captain away at Sarries, well deserved.
Interested to see how Brussow will go at 8
Interested to see how Brussow will go at 8
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: ElySaint (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 12:23
Something a little makeshift about it this week...probably that we have 4 flankers in the matchday 23 (Number 8 back-up on the shopping list Boyd?).
Be interested to see how Hutch and Dingers go - great to see Fraser back. Swap the wingers from Ollie S and TC and it's an all Academy backs division - future is v bright.
Huge congrats to Lewis as well.
Not expecting to win. Performance is more important than a win I think.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2019:03:01:12:24:37 by ElySaint.
Be interested to see how Hutch and Dingers go - great to see Fraser back. Swap the wingers from Ollie S and TC and it's an all Academy backs division - future is v bright.
Huge congrats to Lewis as well.
Not expecting to win. Performance is more important than a win I think.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2019:03:01:12:24:37 by ElySaint.
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: Saint Stokey (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 12:30
In an ideal world, id like to have seen a stronger side on paper, but you cant put confidence down in words. Fingers crossed for this.
Win or lose, this will be a measure of where we are. We beat Exeter, thumped Sale and edged Bath, all at the time top6 sides so we know it can be done.
If we want to be the best, we have to beat the best and with confidence at an all time high, why not now?
Lose and it could dent confidence in the short term but the league is about more than this one game. I have total faith in Boyd, his vision and his long term plan.
Just need to find some way of watching.
Win or lose, this will be a measure of where we are. We beat Exeter, thumped Sale and edged Bath, all at the time top6 sides so we know it can be done.
If we want to be the best, we have to beat the best and with confidence at an all time high, why not now?
Lose and it could dent confidence in the short term but the league is about more than this one game. I have total faith in Boyd, his vision and his long term plan.
Just need to find some way of watching.
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: andysaint (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 12:33
For me, Sarries away may well be one step too far this season. I would be delighted with a point. I really do like the look of our side though, it has some real flair about it.
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: Wilson Pickett (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 12:37
This side says
“We are going to run you around on a hard track for 80 minutes”
Interesting to see if we can punish what is increasingly an old fashioned kicking game as we have with other sides of late. Saracens are the best at it though.
“We are going to run you around on a hard track for 80 minutes”
Interesting to see if we can punish what is increasingly an old fashioned kicking game as we have with other sides of late. Saracens are the best at it though.
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: rugbymel (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 12:38
CB certainly rings the changes. Congratulations to Lewis. COYS
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: ElySaint (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 12:39
Quote:Saint Stokey
Just need to find some way of watching.
BET365 usually have a stream of Prem games. You.ll need to lay a minimum £1 on the game. I tend to watch on the iPad this way as we don't seem much in favour with BT Sport atm. Screen can be a little small, but hey, it works. Other betting sites probably do this too.
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: Saint Ted (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 12:47
Bet365 requires £10 in your account, you don’t need to bet, if you have a samsung phone and Samsung tv you can mirror your phone screen, also works on an LG tv, can’t get it to work for Apple products though, to be fair once I figured it on the phone I have put zero effort into getting it to work on my iPad!
Team looks good, I couldn’t pick our strongest XV at the minute, so many players are playing well
Team looks good, I couldn’t pick our strongest XV at the minute, so many players are playing well
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: Wilson Pickett (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 12:50
Stokey
please feel free to PM me if you need viewing suggestions (and anyone else for that matter)
please feel free to PM me if you need viewing suggestions (and anyone else for that matter)
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: Saint Stokey (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 13:01
Quote:ElySaint
we don't seem much in favour with BT Sport atm.
Perhaps we're scoring too many tries?
Must be far more entertaining to show Leicester vs Wasps, or rather 9th vs 6th!
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: St Marcus (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 13:01
Clearly a side to play a fast paced, expansive game. Brussow and Ludlam hopefully will be able to get us good quick ball at the breakdown - that will be key. The speed of recycling was slightly too slow last week (Louw did well slowing it down), but I think this week we should be able to get quicker ball. COYS!!
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: Saint Stokey (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 13:10
indeed Marcus.
As long as we can keep the ball moving and play a game of attacking space rather than contact, we should be ok.
Get things wrong and it could be a long afternoon! We don't look like a side that is ready to go toe to toe with Sarries in an arm wrestle just yet so we're going to need quick ball from the break down and play a very quick game.
Hopefully the weather will stay dry as our handling will need to be spot on!
As long as we can keep the ball moving and play a game of attacking space rather than contact, we should be ok.
Get things wrong and it could be a long afternoon! We don't look like a side that is ready to go toe to toe with Sarries in an arm wrestle just yet so we're going to need quick ball from the break down and play a very quick game.
Hopefully the weather will stay dry as our handling will need to be spot on!
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: Stevie Myler's right boot (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 13:13
If there was ever a time to face Sarries it is now
Bookies have Sarries at 2/9 and us at 3/1.
Great opportunity to lay down a marker for Cup Final
Their back line isn’t particularly full of pace
Bookies have Sarries at 2/9 and us at 3/1.
Great opportunity to lay down a marker for Cup Final
Their back line isn’t particularly full of pace
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: Saint Stokey (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 13:22
To be totally honest, I would have liked to have seen Biggar play for the experience and level of control. Presumably, he still has a bit of a knock and a hard, green-grocer grass pitch isn't the place for a suspect leg.
Grayson has showed he can perform in a tough match though. If he can call upon the Clermont game as inspiration, he'll be more than ok.
Particularly excited by Hutch and Dingwall. Just hope they are as solid defensively as they are lively in attack.
Grayson has showed he can perform in a tough match though. If he can call upon the Clermont game as inspiration, he'll be more than ok.
Particularly excited by Hutch and Dingwall. Just hope they are as solid defensively as they are lively in attack.
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: Sir Hector (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 13:50
Very excited by the choice of backline. I was asking about Dingwall in an earlier thread so this rather answers that then! Given that defence in the backs is more about being it the right place and trusting your mates, I think our 10,12&13 will do a good job. As said above, looks like the plan is to run Sarries around. They may have a lot of old heads, especially on the bench, but they’re attached to old legs! Across the park looks like a Dads v Lads match. Strettle and Wigglesworth are possibly old enough to do just that!
Strettle 38 vs Dingwall 19, foot race anyone?!
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2019:03:01:14:21:03 by Sir Hector.
Strettle 38 vs Dingwall 19, foot race anyone?!
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2019:03:01:14:21:03 by Sir Hector.
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: LeicesterSaint (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 14:17
I'd back Dingwall but pretty sure Strettle ain't slow still!
The centres are definitely speed vs size, could be interesting and we definitely want a fast game in general, two 7's on the field should help that.
Also interesting to see Clark v Ludlam as Clark will definitely be wanting to slow things down in defence as Louw did last week.
The centres are definitely speed vs size, could be interesting and we definitely want a fast game in general, two 7's on the field should help that.
Also interesting to see Clark v Ludlam as Clark will definitely be wanting to slow things down in defence as Louw did last week.
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: Dragonboy (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 14:18
Quote:I’ve caught a couple of recent full game videos on the premiership website on Mondays. Not the same as seeing it live but beggars and choosers and all that.Saint Stokey
In an ideal world, id like to have seen a stronger side on paper, but you cant put confidence down in words. Fingers crossed for this.
Win or lose, this will be a measure of where we are. We beat Exeter, thumped Sale and edged Bath, all at the time top6 sides so we know it can be done.
If we want to be the best, we have to beat the best and with confidence at an all time high, why not now?
Lose and it could dent confidence in the short term but the league is about more than this one game. I have total faith in Boyd, his vision and his long term plan.
Just need to find some way of watching.
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: ramseysaint (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 14:20
Quote:Saint StokeyQuote:ElySaint
we don't seem much in favour with BT Sport atm.
Perhaps we're scoring too many tries?
Must be far more entertaining to show Leicester vs Wasps, or rather 9th vs 6th!
BT don't have a crystal ball, the televised matches are announced a few months before, I suppose they pick those they think will offer something for the viewers. The last three match times on the fixture list have still to be confirmed, I would assume they will show matches that may have a bearing on the outcome of the league. As we WILL be heading for a top four finish I think we'll be on the telly, especially the Exeter match, as that could be a table top decider for Exeter and WILL decide who we WILL play in the semi's.
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: Saint Stokey (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 14:20
WP has put me on to some online streams so i'll give those a try... every virus checker and malware checker i can find will be running though!
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: Sir Hector (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 14:30
The matches are all televised, the Bet365 streams have the cameras and commentary it’s not just some bloke pitchside holding up his phone! They use that output edited down for the highlights on 5. Given that the crew is already there all they have to do is get their pitchside pundits and presenters to the right place. You’d think they could choose their featured matched with very notice and not have to resort to crystal balling it.
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: Fat Prop (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 14:38
Big test for such a young team, but great to see the faith being put in them. Must be massively encouraging to others coming though that if they perform well when they get the chance they’ll be able to keep the shirt ...
Average age of our back division this week is 23.5 - and that’s including Tuala and Pisi at 29 & 30 respectively !!
As others have said, it’s probably too big an ask to get the win, but who knows - it’s effectively a free shot and with the fearlessness of youth, just maybe ...
Either way, it’s all good experience and must be positive for the future !!!
Obviously reflects well on the coaching set up too...
Average age of our back division this week is 23.5 - and that’s including Tuala and Pisi at 29 & 30 respectively !!
As others have said, it’s probably too big an ask to get the win, but who knows - it’s effectively a free shot and with the fearlessness of youth, just maybe ...
Either way, it’s all good experience and must be positive for the future !!!
Obviously reflects well on the coaching set up too...
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: Saint Stokey (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 14:40
You'd think that they could develope a platform where all the games are shown on the same channel.
I seem to remember Sky showing Football First. There was the featured game, but by pressing the Red Button, you could select a different game, complete with commentary and adverts.
I seem to remember Sky showing Football First. There was the featured game, but by pressing the Red Button, you could select a different game, complete with commentary and adverts.
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: SuffolkSaint (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 15:20
Quote:Saint Stokey
You'd think that they could develope a platform where all the games are shown on the same channel.
I seem to remember Sky showing Football First. There was the featured game, but by pressing the Red Button, you could select a different game, complete with commentary and adverts.
There are absolutely no technical reasons why that can't be done now - BT Sport do it for European Football, Sky used to do it for European Rugby.
It comes down to Premiership Broadcast rights and how they choose to package up their content and sell to the highest bidder.
I suspect there would be a high level of nervousness around making every single game available in the UK and what that might do to attendances and club revenues. They do sell every game to overseas though - in the US you can watch any premiership game.
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: NGSB (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 16:28
Still a strong team from The Special Ones so I see that Saints have nothing to lose; treat them like Clermont, run them ragged on their own artificial patch !
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: Sir Hector (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 17:04
Well bet365 are definitely making Sarries the favourites at 1:4 and offering a generous 3:1 on a saints victory. So nothing to loose! A skim through the Sarries board suggests they aren’t as confident in their team as bet365 are! COYS!
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: ramseysaint (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 18:09
That could be the future Scotland centre pairing.
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: Saint Stokey (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 18:59
Or a Scotland/ England Saints pairing
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: ch saint (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 19:53
Got to hand it to Chris he really believes in his young squad.
Congratulations to Ludders on captaincy, what an honour and demonstration of confidence.
Not sure how it will work out but its exciting times.
Congratulations to Ludders on captaincy, what an honour and demonstration of confidence.
Not sure how it will work out but its exciting times.
Re: Teams Up: Saracens v Saints
Posted by: Sir Hector (IP Logged)
Date: 01/03/2019 21:44
Well if we’re looking above us in the table Bristol have done us a favour. If looking down, Gloucester have let us down. On balance, a good result for us I hope.
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