Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Northampton make 13 changes for semi-final, also name six/two bench

Northampton players react after their last-day defeat at Bath (Photo by Bob Bradford/CameraSport via Getty Images)

Phil Dowson has recalled his Northampton big guns for Fridayā€™s Gallagher Premiership semi-final at home to Saracens, making 13 changes to the starting line-up following their 12-43 May 18 hammering at Bath.

ADVERTISEMENT

The table-topping Saints sent an understrength side to The Rec knowing they already had a semi-final fixture guaranteed for Franklinā€™s Gardens.

A price was paid as they were heavily beaten and Burger Odendaal and Olie Sleightholme are the only two players to keep their starting places for the semi-final.

Video Spacer

Bobby Skinstad on the player who is a ā€˜shoo-inā€™ for the Bok captaincy

Video Spacer

Bobby Skinstad on the player who is a ā€˜shoo-inā€™ for the Bok captaincy

Bobby Skinstad has explained the least disruptive path to selecting a Springbok captain should Siya Kolisi not be available.

A statement read: ā€œCourtney Lawes will captain Northampton Saints in his final outing at cinch Stadium at Franklinā€™s Gardens in the Gallagher Premiership semi-final against Saracens this Friday (kick-off: 7.45pm).

ā€œSaints feature in their third consecutive Premiership semi-final ā€“ and their 12th appearance at this stage of the competition in the clubā€™s history ā€“ but play host in the knock-outs for the first time since 2015.

Fixture
Gallagher Premiership
Northampton
22 - 20
Full-time
Saracens
All Stats and Data

ā€œAway losses to Leicester Tigers (2022) and Saracens (2023) were Northamptonā€™s fate in their most recent semi-finals, but they now have their sights set on reaching the final for the first time since they lifted the trophy in 2014 as they welcome the current reigning champions to town.

ā€œAlex Waller and Alex Moon will also be featuring in their final clash in Northampton amongst Saintsā€™ starting XV, with Lewis Ludlam set to make his final home bow from the replacements. Hooker Curtis Langdon and tighthead prop Trevor Davison join Waller in the front row against Saracens.

ADVERTISEMENT

ā€œMoon partners Alex Coles at lock, while Tom Pearson returns to Saintsā€™ starting line-up to join captain Lawes and No8 Juarno Augustus in the back row.

ā€œAlex Mitchell, who has assisted more tries than any other player in the Premiership this season (11), starts at scrum-half for Saints, while the leagueā€™s second-highest points-scorer, Fin Smith (132), is named at fly-half.

ā€œFraser Dingwall and Burger Odendaal partner at centre, while George Furbank starts at full-back for the 17th time this season for Northampton. Ollie Sleightholme (14), the leagueā€™s top try-scorer, and Tommy Freeman, who has made the joint-most clean breaks in the Premiership (26), are named on the wings to complete the starting line-up.

ā€œSaints opt for a 6/2 bench for the semi-final clash, with Ludlam, Sam Matavesi, Emmanuel Iyogun, Elliot Millar Mills, Temo Mayanavanua, Sam Graham, Tom James and George Hendy all set to enter the action at the Gardens.ā€

ADVERTISEMENT

NORTHAMPTON (vs Saracens): 15. George Furbank, 14. Tommy Freeman, 13. Burger Odendaal, 12. Fraser Dingwall, 11. Ollie Sleightholme; 10. Fin Smith, 9. Alex Mitchell; 1. Alex Waller, 2. Curtis Langdon, 3. Trevor Davison, 4. Alex Moon, 5. Alex Coles, 6. Courtney Lawes (capt), 7. Tom Pearson, 8. Juarno Augustus. Reps: 16. Sam Matavesi, 17. Emmanuel Iyogun, 18. Elliot Millar-Mills, 19. Temo Mayanavanua, 20. Sam Graham, 21. Lewis Ludlam, 22. Tom James, 23. George Hendy.

Related

ADVERTISEMENT

England A vs Ireland A | Full Match Replay

HSBC SVNS Vancouver | Men's Day Three Highlights

HSBC SVNS Vancouver | Women's Day Three Highlights

"I would love to play with Siya Kolisi" | HSBC Life on Tour | Vancouver

Kubota Spears vs Shizuoka BlueRevs | JRLO 2024/2025 | Full Match Replay

Behind the Scenes with the Stars of the Kenya Rugby Sevens Team | HSBC SVNS Embedded | Episode 7

O2 Inside Line: This Rose | Episode 3 | France Week

Watch now: Lomu - The Lost Tapes

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

E
Ethan Golding 30 minutes ago
Springbok World Cup winner Steven Kitshoff forced to retire

Hello netizens, I'm writing to detail a serious incident involving the illicit transfer of my ETH cryptocurrency from my wallet. This unauthorized transaction, executed without my consent or awareness, strongly suggested a sophisticated hacking or phishing attack on me. The immediate transfer of funds to an unidentified digital address necessitated swift action. I immediately engaged RUDER CYBER TECH SLEUTHS, a premier cybersecurity firm, to investigate and reclaim my stolen Ethereum. RUDER CYBER TECH SLEUTHS's thorough examination pinpointed the exact time and origin IP address of the unauthorized transfer. Remarkably, within hours of their involvement, my Ethereum was restored to my digital wallet. Beyond the successful recovery, RUDER CYBER TECH SLEUTHS significantly bolstered my online security and my household. This included implementing robust multi-factor authentication across all my accounts, deploying cutting-edge anti-malware software, and providing comprehensive cybersecurity training. They also offered invaluable guidance on recognizing and preventing future phishing scams, stressing the vital importance of verifying website and email authenticity before interacting with links or sensitive data. Their dedication to safeguarding my digital assets went beyond simply retrieving my funds, they ensured lasting protection against future compromises.  I wholeheartedly endorse their professionalism and exceptional problem-solving skills in addressing this critical matter.  Their expertise and unwavering commitment are truly exceptional.  Their mastery of complex legal and technical issues makes them highly deserving of recommendation.

EMAIL: support@rudercybertechsleuths.com

TELEGRAM: @rudercybersleuth

Whatsapp:+12132801476

5 Go to comments
E
Ethan Golding 31 minutes ago
Springbok World Cup winner Steven Kitshoff forced to retire

Hello netizens, I'm writing to detail a serious incident involving the illicit transfer of my ETH cryptocurrency from my wallet. This unauthorized transaction, executed without my consent or awareness, strongly suggested a sophisticated hacking or phishing attack on me. The immediate transfer of funds to an unidentified digital address necessitated swift action. I immediately engaged RUDER CYBER TECH SLEUTHS, a premier cybersecurity firm, to investigate and reclaim my stolen Ethereum. RUDER CYBER TECH SLEUTHS's thorough examination pinpointed the exact time and origin IP address of the unauthorized transfer. Remarkably, within hours of their involvement, my Ethereum was restored to my digital wallet. Beyond the successful recovery, RUDER CYBER TECH SLEUTHS significantly bolstered my online security and my household. This included implementing robust multi-factor authentication across all my accounts, deploying cutting-edge anti-malware software, and providing comprehensive cybersecurity training. They also offered invaluable guidance on recognizing and preventing future phishing scams, stressing the vital importance of verifying website and email authenticity before interacting with links or sensitive data. Their dedication to safeguarding my digital assets went beyond simply retrieving my funds, they ensured lasting protection against future compromises.  I wholeheartedly endorse their professionalism and exceptional problem-solving skills in addressing this critical matter.  Their expertise and unwavering commitment are truly exceptional.  Their mastery of complex legal and technical issues makes them highly deserving of recommendation.

EMAIL: support@rudercybertechsleuths.com

TELEGRAM: @rudercybersleuth

Whatsapp:+12132801476

5 Go to comments
T
Tine wong 2 hours ago
Crusaders prepare for 'dangerous in all elements' Chiefs game-breaker

I had always been cautious about online investments, but when I came across an opportunity promising high returns, I let my guard down. The website looked professional, the testimonials seemed legitimate, and the support team assured me my money was safe. I invested a significant amount, hoping to secure my financial future. At first, everything seemed fine. My account balance grew, and I was even able to withdraw small amounts. Encouraged, I reinvested a larger sum. Thatā€™s when the problems began. Suddenly, my withdrawal requests were ignored, customer support stopped responding, and my account was locked. It hit meā€”I had fallen victim to a sophisticated online scam. Feeling helpless, I searched for solutions. Traditional banks couldnā€™t help, and law enforcement advised me to be cautious in the future but offered little hope of recovery. Thatā€™s when I stumbled upon Galaxy Ethical Tech, a company specializing in ethical financial recovery using advanced AI and blockchain tracking.I reached out to them, skeptical but desperate. Their response was swift and professional. After verifying my case, they used their AI-driven forensic tracking to analyze blockchain transactions, uncovering the fraudstersā€™ network. Their experts collaborated with cybersecurity teams and legal authorities, using ethical hacking to trace my funds.Weeks later, I received an email that changed everything: ā€œWe have successfully retrieved a significant portion of your lost funds.ā€ I couldnā€™t believe it. Shortly after, the money was deposited back into my account.Galaxy Ethical Tech not only helped me reclaim my lost investment but also educated me on how to avoid such scams in the future. Thanks to them, I regained my financial stabilityā€”and my trust in ethical technology. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, remember: the right technology, used ethically, can turn losses into second chances.contact them via Email: galaxyethicaltech@mail.comWhatsapp: +15072712442Telegram: Galaxy_ethical_tech

3 Go to comments
R
Rebecca Bridges 3 hours ago
Six Nations: 5 things we've learned from half-way point weekend

Hacked my husband phone yesterday with the help of spyexpert0@gmail.com And I found this on my husband text message saying ā€œ I am at the apartment naked waiting for youā€  men!! Anyways thank you spyexpert0 @ gmail. com for helping me unveil my lying and cheating husband. This is so real!! Thank you once again.

7 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ Brendan Fanning: 'Wales have been insulted by the degree of arrogance abroad on this side of the Irish Sea.' Brendan Fanning: 'Wales have been insulted by the degree of arrogance abroad on this side of the Irish Sea.'
Search