Jim Mallinder has made eight changes to Northampton Saints’ starting line-up for this weekend’s home clash against Ospreys.
Saints welcome the Welsh region to Franklin’s Gardens having won the last six meetings between the sides, the most recent being a 36-6 triumph back in 2014.
Ahsee Tuala – who signed a new two-year Saints contract this week – is the only change to the back three, with the Samoan international joining full-back Harry Mallinder and Ben Foden.
Luther Burrell returns to the midfield to partner Rob Horne, with Piers Francis and Nic Groom forming a new-look half-back partnership.
Meanwhile there are also two changes in the engine room as both David Ribbans and Christian Day return from injury, with Courtney Lawes shifting to blindside flanker.
Alex Waller misses out through injury in the front row, so Francois van Wyk comes in with Dylan Hartley continuing to skipper the side from hooker.
And in the back row Lewis Ludlam is the final change to last week’s side, with the 22-year-old now fully recovered from glandular fever and making his first ever start in the Champions Cup at openside flanker.
“We’ve made a few changes as we’re looking to find the winning formula,” said Mallinder. “The lads have worked hard this week and we’re looking forward to the game.
“We’ve shown improvements on the field the last two weeks and are determined to produce a performance our fans can be proud of.”
Tickets are still available for the match starting from £28 for adults or £12 for juniors. CLICK HERE to book online.
SAINTS V OSPREYS TEAM NEWS
European Champions Cup Round Three
Franklin's Gardens
Saturday 9 December, 2017
Kick-off: 5.30pm
| SAINTS | OSPREYS | |
15 Harry Mallinder 1 Francois van Wyk Replacements: | 15 Dan Evans 1 Nicky Smith Replacements: |
Injury update:
Kieran Brookes (hand), Charlie Clare (knee), Tom Collins (foot), James Craig (concussion), George North (knee), Tom Stephenson (hamstring) and Alex Waller (arm) are unavailable for selection
