Over 40 players have seen action in the Saints’ LV= Cup campaign so far this season, and defence coach Alan Dickens admitted during the week that selection had been difficult for this weekend’s showcase.
In the backs James Wilson and Jamie Elliott come in at centre and wing respectively after missing the semi-final win over Saracens, with Stephen Myler swapping with Will Hooley at fly half, the latter dropping to the bench.
Up front there are returns to the starting line-up for props Alex Waller and Salesi Ma’afu, lock Samu Manoa and back rowers Calum Clark and GJ Van Velze.
Ethan Waller, Tom Mercey, James Craig and Ben Nutley all begin the game as replacements, along with Ross McMillan, Alex Day and Fa’atoina Autagavaia.
Sunday’s game is sold out, but supporters who are not making the trip can still follow the action on Sky Sports, BBC Radio Northampton, and at www.saintslive.co.uk
And you can hear the thoughts of Alan Dickens, Phil Dowson and Will Hooley right now on the Saints’ official podcast, along with an exclusive interview with Edgar Mobbs (great-nephew of Edgar Mobbs) looking ahead to next Wednesday’s Mobbs Memorial Match. Head to www.soundcloud.com/official-saints-rugby to stream or download for free on any device.
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS TEAM TO PLAY EXETER CHIEFS Sandy Park Sunday, March 16th, 2014 Kick off 3:00pm
LV= Cup Final
15 Ben FODEN 14 Ken PISI 13 George PISI 12 James WILSON 11 Jamie ELLIOTT 10 Stephen MYLER 9 Kahn FOTUALI’I 1 Alex WALLER 2 Mike HAYWOOD 3 Salesi MA’AFU 4 Samu MANOA 5 Christian DAY 6 Calum CLARK 7 Phil DOWSON (capt) 8 GJ VAN VELZE
Replacements 16 Ross MCMILLAN 17 Ethan WALLER 18 Tom MERCEY 19 James CRAIG 20 Ben NUTLEY 21 Alex DAY 22 Will HOOLEY 23 Fa’atoina AUTAGAVAIA
