Courtney Lawes returns from injury for Northampton

Northampton Saints received a timely boost as former England captain, Courtney Lawes, returns from injury to feature in their must-win Gallagher Premiership clash with Saracens on Saturday afternoon.

Lawes, who makes only his second league appearance of the season and first since September, will start at blindside flanker and is the headline inclusion in the back row for the men in Black, Green and Gold. His return is sure to be a welcome addition for Director of Rugby Phil Dowson, who will be looking to secure a crucial victory to keep their top-four hopes alive.

Alongside Lawes, Fiji international Sam Matavesi, who recently signed a new contract with the club, will also start at hooker. The rest of the team remains largely unchanged, with Northampton skipper Lewis Ludlam leading the hosts from openside and No.8 Juarno Augustus completing the back row.

Although Saracens have edged out Northampton in their last six visits to Franklin’s Gardens in the Premiership, the home side will be hoping to continue their winning streak on home soil, having won their last seven league fixtures. With Lawes’ return, they will be looking to put up a strong challenge against the table toppers and secure a crucial victory.

In addition to Lawes, the Saints will also have a strong bench, featuring the likes of Paul Hill, Alex Coles, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, and Tom Collins, who will be looking to make an impact late in the game.

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS TEAM:
15 George Furbank
14 James Ramm
13 Fraser Dingwall
12 Rory Hutchinson
11 Tommy Freeman
10 Fin Smith9 Alex Mitchell
1 Alex Waller
2 Sam Matavesi
3 Trevor Davison
4 David Ribbans
5 Alex Moon
6 Courtney Lawes
7 Lewis Ludlam (c)
8 Juarno Augustus

REPLACEMENTS:
16 Tom Cruse
17 Ethan Waller
18 Paul Hill
19 Alex Coles
20 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
21 Sam Graham
22 Tom James
23 Tom Collins