The Saints played the Knights in the EDF Energy National Trophy last Saturday, winning 17-3, and Sunday’s NL1 match gives both sides a rare opportunity to fine tune their game plans against the same opponents for a second successive week.

However while familiarity with your opponents is an aid when it comes to preparing the team, Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder said today that it also presents its challenges.

“Both teams are now very familiar with each other and will know what to expect,” said Mallinder. “They have a big set of back rowers and locks who like to carry the ball. Out wide the centres and wings know where to look for gaps and exploit them. Doncaster also like to mix the play between the forwards and backs and did so against us last weekend.

“They asked us a lot of questions and I was pleased that we answered them. But Sunday is back to the league and a different game completely. We cannot look back and expect Doncaster to play in the same way. There will be new challenges to be met and it is up to our players to step up to the mark.”

Mallinder has made two changes to his 24-man squad. Phil Hoy is replaced by Christian Short while Barry Everitt makes way for Chris Ashton, who is available after a one-week suspension. Dave Ward misses out on selection.

Sunday’s referee is JP Doyle, who took charge of the Saints’ NL1 trip to London Welsh and National Trophy game at Cornish Pirates.

You can see Jim Mallinder and Matt Lord look ahead to Sunday’s game at www.TVNorthants.co.uk.

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS SQUAD TO PLAY DONCASTER KNIGHTS
National League One
Castle Park; Sunday, February 10th, 2008; kick-off 2:30pm
Backs:
Joe Ansbro, Chris Ashton, Jon Clarke, Paul Diggin, James Downey, Johnny Howard, Stephen Myler, Bruce Reihana, Mark Robinson, Carlos Spencer, Neil Starling.

Forwards:
Chris Budgen, Mark Easter, Darren Fox, Dylan Hartley, Mark Hopley, Matt Lord, Alex Rae, Paul Shields, Christian Short, Tom Smith, Barry Stewart, Soane Tonga’uiha, Paul Tupai.