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| 18 February 2004, 1:56 pm |
| Speedy Morris Back In The Starting Line-Up For Northampton Saints |
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This time last year, Northampton Saints' Robbie Morris was about to collect his first cap for England.
Last week, the former Hertford RFC prop started Saints' league game against Saracens on the bench behind Chris Budgen and Tevita Taumoepeau.
But following his remarkable 30-metre run, side step, hand-off and flip pass to Bruce Reihana for a try, Morris is straight back into the starting line-up.
Head coach Wayne Smith said: "Robbie has won his place back in the first XV. However, it was not just for that run but for the number of tackles he put in. He made a real impact."
Also back into the starting XV is Rob Hunter following the one-match ban handed to Mark Connors last night for a punch on the head to Rotherham's Colin Noon.
While England U19s utility back Paul Diggin may get a chance of a Saints debut this weekend. The 19-year-old, born in Northampton, will start the game on the bench.
Former Welsh international Steve Williams may also make an appearance on the bench this weekend after not playing a game for Saints since September when he had knee surgery. The decision is still to be made on whether Williams or Academy player Ed O'Donoghue will cover second row on Saturday.
Nick Beal (rib) and James Brooks (hand) were unavailable for selection due to injury.
Northampton Saints
15 BRUCE REIHANA
14 Mark Tucker
13 Chris Hyndman
12 JOHN LESLIE (c)
11 ORIOL RIPOL
10 Shane Drahm
9 MARK ROBINSON
1 Chris Budgen
2 Dan Richmond
3 ROBBIE MORRIS
4 Matt Lord
5 Rob Hunter
6 ANDREW BLOWERS
7 Darren Fox
8 Grant Seely
16 Matt Miles
17 Brett Sturgess
18 STEVE WILLIAMS/Ed O'Donoghue
19 Mark Soden
20 Johnny Howard
21 Paul Diggin
22 Andy Vilk |
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