Saints versus Harlequins gets the action underway at 3pm and is followed by the Wanderers’ first match of the season against Cambridge at 4:45pm. Over 9,000 supporters have bought tickets so far.

With the first home National League One match against London Welsh just over a week away the two matches will give director of rugby Jim Mallinder an opportunity to see all of his squad in competitive action on the same afternoon.

“Harlequins are a tough side who will ask us a lot of questions,” he said. “We took a lot of positives from the Samoa game and will be looking to build on those. It is also important to give game time to those players who missed out last week and try new combinations. The youngsters set a good benchmark and the seniors now have to step up as well.

“Cambridge are an ambitious team as well and will provide good opposition for the Wanderers. That will also be a competitive match and I’m looking forward to seeing how our players respond to that.”

In addition to the World Cup players there are a number of absences due to injury with Matt Lord, Ben Lewitt, Tom Smith, Neil Starling and Joe Ansbro all on the sidelines.

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS SQUAD TO PLAY HARLEQUINS AND CAMBRIDGE
Franklin’s Gardens
Saturday, August 25th, 2007; kick-off 3pm/4:45pm
Backs: Grant Anderson, John Brake, Jon Clarke, Paul Diggin, James Downey, Barry Everitt, Will Harries, Johnny Howard, Robbie Kydd, Stephen Myler, Bruce Reihana, Mark Robinson, David Smith, Carlos Spencer, Ian Vass.

Forwards: Damien Browne, James Cannon, Mark Easter, Simon Emms, Darren Fox, Joe Gray, Mark Hopley, Phil Hoy, Courtney Lawes, Barney Purbrook, Alex Rae, Karl Rudzki, Paul Shields, Christian Short, Terry Sigley, Barry Stewart, Paul Tupai, Jon Vickers, Dave Ward.

Tickets are still available for the afternoon, priced £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s. Call the Saints Ticket Office on 01604 581000 for more information.

The club also advises supporters coming to Saturday’s matches to allow plenty of time due to a fixture clash with Northampton Town FC. Furthermore due to the immediate changeover of games there will be no autograph area in operation behind the Church's Stand. Harlequins will also be departing Franklin's Gardens immediately as part of their recovery programme. The Saints thanks supporters in advance for their understanding and co-operation.