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| 2 April 2003, 1:59 pm |
| Saints Field A Cup Final Side Headed By Two Captains |
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Northampton Saints head coach Wayne Smith has named his two club co-captains to both lead the side out for Saturday's Powergen Cup final against league leaders Gloucester.
Smith said: "In much the same way that we have operated a co-captain system during the season with Budge and John taking turns to bring out the best in their game, we want them both to be our team captains on Saturday and to share in the responsibility of the final."
Pountney and Leslie will lead the team out, along with a young mascot whose name will be drawn out of the Powergen Cup later today.
Back from injury for Saturday's date at Twickenham are wing Bruce Reihana and centre Chris Hyndman, who have both recovered from knee injuries.
Former North Harbour lock Matt Lord, aged 25, will be the only uncapped player in the starting XV for the final following his recent run in the number four shirt.
Smith said: "I am very pleased for Matt. He has earned his place through the physical and committed way in which he attacks every game he plays in. Matt has certainly made a real contribution to the squad since his arrival at the club in November."
The travelling squad of 26, that also includes Oriol Ripol, Chris Budgen, Mark Tucker and Rob Hunter, will travel to Twickenham from Franklin's Gardens on Saturday morning. The players and coaching team will be
followed down to rugby's HQ by at least 69 club buses, plus many others from surrounding villages. It is estimated there will be 25,000 Saints supporters at Twickenham for the 4.30pm kick-off on Saturday.
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
15 NICK BEAL
14 BRUCE REIHANA
13 PETER JORGENSEN
12 JOHN LESLIE (co-capt)
11 BEN COHEN
10 PAUL GRAYSON
9 MATT DAWSON
1 TOM SMITH
2 STEVE THOMPSON
3 ROBBIE MORRIS
4 Matt Lord
5 STEVE WILLIAMS
6 MARK CONNORS
7 BUDGE POUNTNEY (co-capt)
8 ANDREW BLOWERS
Replacements:
16 Dan Richmond
17 MATT STEWART
18 Grant Seely
19 Darren Fox
20 Johnny Howard
21 James Brooks
22 Chris Hyndman |
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