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| 12 February 2004, 2:03 pm |
| Saints Hoping For Rare League Win At Vicarage Road |
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Northampton Saints are hoping to end their poor league record against Saracens at Vicarage Road with a win on Sunday - but head coach Wayne Smith knows it will not be easy.
He said: "Saracens are a quality side. They are in good form at the moment. They are going to be tough.
"We have only won there once in the league - that's not a great record. But we have been playing better away from home in the last couple of months. We are not so fazed by playing away."
The team has had to alter from last week's mainly due to Six Nations commitments. However, some young players have missed out on playing for Saints this weekend due to England U21s, U19s and sevens commitments.
Shane Drahm has come in for Paul Grayson and Mark Robinson for Matt Dawson. Dan Richmond will start again in the place of Steve Thompson, and centre Mark Tucker has moved to the wing to cover the absence of Ben Cohen.
Tom Smith's Scotland commitments have caused the coaching team a few more headaches and the coaching team will make their decision on the starting two props on Saturday morning after the captain's run. The three props up for consideration are former Tonga captain Tevita Taumoepeau, Robbie Morris and Chris Budgen.
Back on the bench this week is full-back Nick Beal, who has been out of action since the game away against The Borders when he suffered a rib injury. Also returning to the squad this week is John Leslie, who will lead the side at Vicarage Road on Sunday.
Northampton Saints
15 BRUCE REIHANA
14 Mark Tucker
13 Chris Hyndman
12 JOHN LESLIE (capt)
11 ORIOL RIPOL
10 Shane Drahm
9 MARK ROBINSON
1 TBC
2 Dan Richmond
3 TBC
4 Matt Lord
5 MARK CONNORS
6 ANDREW BLOWERS
7 Darren Fox
8 Grant Seely
16 Matt Miles
17 TBC
18 Rob Hunter
19 Brett McNamee
20 Johnny Howard
21 NICK BEAL
22 Andy Vilk |
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