News: LV= Cup: Northampton Saints vs Leicester - Preview
By Richard Lindsley
February 4 2010
Northampton Saints welcome Leicester Tigers to Piggy's Patch this Saturday in the final round of group matches in the 2009/10 LV= Cup. Regular COYSDC contributor Rich Lindsley peers into the tea-leaves and looks forward to the weekend's action...
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS vs. LEICESTER TIGERS
LV= CUP: Saturday, 6th February, 2010 – 3pm
FRANKLIN’S GARDENS
MATCH PREVIEW
The Aussies, it’s said, believe that there are only two important matches in the world cup, the semi-final and the final. The same is highly true of the Loved Up Anglo Welsh malarkey, except perhaps this weekend. For on Saturday the East Midlands bragging rights are once again up for grabs.
I love the East Midlands derby and whilst it’s probably still true that it means more to us than them, there is no doubt that this is one of the most anticipated encounters of the season. Forget that some view this as a Mickey Mouse cup. Forget that both teams are seriously weakened by international call-ups. The players will want to win this badly not just for local pride but because both sides have a chance to progress to that all-important semi-final.
For the Saints the picture is straightforward, win the match, and they’re in the semis. For Tigers it’s a bit more tricky and even a good win could have them looking over their shoulders at other results.
So what sort of teams can we expect? Well Saints are definitely without Hartley, Lawes, Foden, Gray and Murray but there is a strong rumour that Ashton is made available. Quite what the Snake Charmer thinks of his experience with England so far is anybody’s guess. I’d expect that publicly he will be thrilled to involved at that level but privately he must be wondering what happens between being called up and then sent back again. England’s loss is very much the Saints gain. Finally it’s hoped that all three high profile leavers will be involved on Saturday. I intend to enjoy every last minute left in the Franklin’s Gardens careers of Best, Kruger and Tonga’uiha, it’s a shame to see them go but they still have a big part to play in a potentially brilliant season. If all that’s true then the side predicted below looks very capable indeed.
Possible Saints side:
Reihana
Ashton
Ansbro
Downey
Diggin
Myler
Dickson
Tonga'uiha
Sharman
Mujati
Lobbe
Kruger
Best
Easter
Wilson
For Tigers, it is believed that Richard Cockerill intends to stick with the side that thrashed Bath 27-11 at Welford Road. Tigers probably wrote the book on strength in depth and as per usual that side are nobody’s mugs. There’s a real blend of youth, experience, power and pace plus the usual Tigerish standards in the set pieces. It won’t be easy!
Probable Tigers team:
Amorosino
Tuilagi
Twelvetrees
Mauger (c)
Smith
Vesty
Ellis
Stankovich
Duffey
White
Green
Kay
Pienaar
Woods
Deacon
So we arrive at the tricky point in the match preview, the predicted result. Well this born and bred Northamptonian is genetically programmed to see it only one-way…Saints by 12! That outrageous prediction is based on several hard facts, Saints rarely lose at the Gardens and have lost only once in the last 12 matches. I also think this is the best chance of some silverware this season, so the kitchen sink will be thrown at our nearest and dearest.
To the players, management, support staff and supporters of Leicester Tigers, we say welcome to Franklin’s Gardens, enjoy your stay but leave us with the points!
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Many thanks!
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
48 hours to go...
*I could agree with you - but then we'd both be wrong...*
Up to the usual high standards Richard, just hope the team is as well.
Quote:as someone who saw our lineout last weekend I don't think you have too much to worry about re. our set pieces (though I'm hoping another weeks practice has improved things somewhat).the usual Tigerish standards in the set pieces.
Do you mean Lote Tuqiri, who is going to join the other Tigers in the other code (RL)?
Surely, he will be banned sine die for crossing over to the dark side!
"By Rich
November 7 2002
Despite the early kick off this East Midlands derby promises to be an exciting encounter. Whilst the home union players are away for the autumn internationals both teams can rely on quality southern hemisphere players such as Blowers, Connors, Kronfeld, Kafer and new boy Bruce Reihana. "
( Im assuming you are 'Rich ' )
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
The interesting supporters prefer City or Everton
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
Bath are a bit like Leeds United - once great, but fallen on hard times...
Tigers, though, are a sort of fusion between Liverpool and Newcastle: traditional, loads of heritage but, ultimately, perhaps, a little bit self important.
Like Tigger...
i saw Geordan Murphy on the leicester london train on Wednesday and under strict questioning he admitted to be a returnee on saturday-whether he starts i don't know
sorry this info' offers all assistance short of real help
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
You are either most generous to our venerable opposition by inviting them to leave FG with the points or, saying to Tigs thanks for coming ......and allowing us to win.
I wonder which you meant............
Have a good time at FG, you Tiggs - but leave the points in our safe and deserving hands...
*I could agree with you - but then we'd both be wrong...*
Of course Saints are very much favourites though !
Regards.
<a href= [www.cooperburns.co.uk] Midlands</a>