| Northampton Saints’ head coach Budge Pountney has called for competition among the crowd ahead of Saturday’s New Year’s Day game against Leeds Tykes.
Pountney has come up with “a little idea” to ignite some renewed enthusiasm among the Franklin’s Gardens faithful.
He said: “We will have a competition during the warm-up on Saturday and the stand that shouts the loudest will be rewarded by us carrying out our last defence drill in front of it. If the South Stand wins, we will warm-up in front of them at the Glasgow game (as the opposition usually get the South Stand end).
“I am hoping this will create some real energy and enthusiasm to produce a really great atmosphere ahead of Saturday’s game. The boys have to compete for their places, so why not some competition in the crowd?”
Pountney has named an unchanged side from the squad that narrowly beat London Irish at the Madejski Stadium on Monday, although late fitness tests will be made on Andrew Blowers, Matt Lord and Mark Robinson.
He added: “Leeds are an extremely tough team and they will not be happy about their result against Newcastle on Monday. They will be looking to put that straight.”
Saturday’s game kicks off at 3pm at Franklin’s Gardens and tickets are still available. The ticket office will be open tomorrow and Friday between 9am and noon, but it is anticipated tickets will still be available on the day.
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
15 BRUCE REIHANA
14 John Rudd
13 BEN COHEN
12 Marc Stcherbina
11 Wylie Human
10 PAUL GRAYSON
9 MARK ROBINSON
1 Simon Emms
2 STEVE THOMPSON (capt)
3 ROBBIE MORRIS
4 Grant Seely
5 Damien Browne
6 ROSS BEATTIE
7 CORNE KRIGE
8 Mark Soden
16 Dan Richmond
17 Brett Sturgess
18 Ed O’Donoghue
19 Brett McNamee
20 Ben Jones
21 Shane Drahm
22 Neil Starling
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