A New Year, A New Hope.

New Logo!
By Jim Bruce
December 31 2005

A long time ago in a Premiership far, far away, Saints were a team with high ambitions and grand dreams, then came the passing of the old order as Wayne Smith heeded the call of the “All Black side”.Master Budge was sadly struck down, Master Blowers took the pilgrimage to Mt Fuji and the Saintly way seemed lost.

 

Now Master Budge has returned, young Luke learns at the feet of Master Spencer  and the Saintly fire begins to flicker anew………

 

If I were to be strictly logical and rational, next Sundays game sees Saints going into the New Year exactly were they don’t want to be, down near the foot of the table with a gap opening up on the rest of the league. Half way through the season and the bare facts and statistics don’t make pleasant reading for a Saints supporter.

 

Luckily facts don’t tell half the story as it’s also a fact that I’m rather optimistic and this review will reflect that. So maybe it won’t be for those of a nervous or gloomy disposition!

 

As I look back on the first half of the season I see a steady improvement in a   squad that is evolving a playing style in that most demanding of environments, the Premiership. Last weeks game at Sale showed that in spades. A team hampered by injuries may have been well and truly beaten (i.e. no league points) but the passion, determination and spirit on show means I look forward to the New Year and the second half of the season with eager enthusiasm and a keen expectation that, as the team continues to develop, the results will follow.

Of course I see no reason that this cannot begin with a win against Bristol. Putting aside any thoughts of it being a must win, season defining game it does kick off what could be a huge month for Saints. Bristol cannot be taken lightly, as they have a streetwise pack of forwards, quick backs and a kicker who will punish Saints if they keep leaking penalties, all ably led by Salter.  They may have been tipped to go straight back down at the start of the season by those with short memories who had forgotten how Worcester fared the season before. However they have already shown they are more than capable of mixing it in the Premiership and are playing a style of rugby that serves them well.. It comes as no surprise they announced the same team that turned over an interesting Tigers side.

 

Bristol Rugby

Bernardo Stortoni
Lee Robinson
Brian Lima
Sam Cox
David Lemi
Jason Strange
Shaun Perry

Dave Hilton
Mark Regan
Darren Crompton
Roy Winters
Gareth Llewellyn
Matt Salter (capt)
Joe El Abd
Dan Ward-Smith

Reps: Mark Irish, Saul Nelson, Mariano Sambucetti, Geraint Lewis, Tommy Hayes, Rob Higgitt, Jake Rauluni

 

 

Saints on the other hand make several changes, as doubtless Budge wrestles with the injury problems that continue to plague the squad.

 

Northampton Saints

15 BRUCE REIHANA (Capt.)
14 John Rudd
13 Jon Clarke
12 Andy Vilk
11 Paul Diggin
10 CARLOS SPENCER
9 Johnny Howard
1 TOM SMITH
2 STEVE THOMPSON
3 Chris Budgen
4 Damien Browne
5 Matt Lord
6 Ben Lewitt
7 Grant Seely
8 Daniel Browne

Replacements: TBC

 

What has been heartening though is that as key players have been forced out due to injury some younger players have stepped up. Chief among those is our Luke Myring who is proving a very capable replacement for the injured Carlos Spencer. However he paid the price for his debut try last week with a long term shoulder injury and Spencer makes his return from injury. Injury to Rhodri means Vilk gets a well deserved and long overdue place in the starting line up, this time at centre. His recent 7s form means he should pose quite a threat and his pairing with Clarke offers plenty of options in the centre.

 

It’s true that the continuing spate of injuries makes it seem a revolving door has been installed between the dressing room and the physio’s room. While it doesn’t help develop a settled side all that is needed from the team as a whole is quiet ambition, steady focus and plenty of patience. Whoever wears the jersey on the day is less of a consequence as long as they keep playing with spirit, passion and pride. So the game itself should be an excellent start to the New Year. Who will win? Well I have another confession – I always go to a game believing Saints can win so Im banking on the New Year getting off to the best possible start. Whatever the result it should be an enjoyable encounter. Bristol have an excellent defensive reputation and while they may not score many tries, they have a good kicker in Strange and their ability to stay with the game has got them to where they are. This will be a good test of the attacking style of rugby Saints are developing – overcome the Bristol defence and it’s another good stride along the road to recovery. It should be a high scoring game and when the final whistle blows Id like to see Saints win by 6.

 

Whatever the result I’m going to enjoy the game – to me it’s the perfect start to the New Year. Yes is a wee bit disappointing when Saints lose, but so far this season I’ve enjoyed all the games I’ve been to. Rugby is a great weekend escape and whether it’s singing our hearts out at home, or mingling with the Tiggers in the Crumblie Terrace, being soaked to the skin at the Rec or hearing the Shed in full cry, the result is only one part of that match day experience I love and constantly look forward to.

 

So to those who are making the journey up from Bristol and to all you Saintly folks riding the rollercoaster, enjoy the day and a Happy New Year to you all.

 

COME ON YOU SAINTS!!