Northampton Saints v Glasgow Warriors: Champions Cup preview
By Tony Tighe
Last Updated: 17/01/16 8:38pm
Dylan Hartley returns to the Northampton Saints starting line-up for Sunday's crucial Champions Cup tie with Glasgow Warriors at Franklin's Gardens.
The England international replaces Mike Haywood at hooker after missing last weekend's defeat at Leicester Tigers with a rib injury.
Hartley's return is one of four changes to the team that lost 30-27 at Welford Road. Christian Day partners Courtney Lawes in the second row while Tom Wood is named at openside flanker.
George North reverts to the left wing to accommodate George Pisi's inclusion at outside centre as Saints seek their sixth win in eight European matches against Glasgow.
Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend hopes the return of Scotland centre Alex Dunbar can help salvage their Champions Cup ambitions.
A heavy defeat to French big guns Racing 92 in Paris last week has left the Scotstoun side's hopes of reaching the Champions Cup quarter-finals for the first time hanging by a thread.
But Townsend hopes having Dunbar, who starts alongside debutant Sam Johnson in midfield, will improve their chances.
The head coach said: "We were disappointed to lose last weekend's game in Paris, but Sunday is a new challenge for us and we're looking forward to the game at Franklin's Gardens.
"It will be a great atmosphere in a fantastic rugby stadium, and we're well aware of the challenge we face in our penultimate pool match.
"We've been boosted by the return of Alex Dunbar and we're looking forward to seeing Sam Johnson make his first start for the club."
Townsend's line-up sees Stuart Hogg once again named at full-back, with Lee Jones replacing Taqele Naiyaravoro on the right wing and Sean Lamont continuing on the opposite side.
Finn Russell returns to his natural role at stand-off after last week's run out at centre, with Duncan Weir dropping to the bench.
Northampton Saints: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Tom Collins, 13 George Pisi, 12 Luther Burrell, 11 George North, 10 JJ Hanrahan, 9 Lee Dickson (c); 1 Alex Waller, 2 Dylan Hartley, 3 Paul Hill, 4 Courtney Lawes, 5 Christian Day, 6 Jamie Gibson, 7 Tom Wood, 8 Teimana Harrison.
Replacements: 16 Mike Haywood, 17 Ethan Waller, 18 Gareth Denman, 19 Michael Paterson, 20 Jon Fisher, 21 Tom Kessel, 22 Stephen Myler, 23 Harry Mallinder.
Glasgow Warriors: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Lee Jones, 13 Alex Dunbar, 12 Sam Johnson, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ali Price; 1 Gordon Reid, 2 Pat MacArthur, 3 Sila Puafisi, 4 Leone Nakarawa, 5 Jonny Gray (c), 6 Ryan Wilson, 7 Chris Fusaro, 8 Adam Ashe.
Replacements: 16 Shalva Mamukashvili, 17 Alex Allan, 18 Zander Fagerson, 19 Tim Swinson, 20 Simone Favaro, 21 Grayson Hart, 22 Duncan Weir, 23 Taqele Naiyaravoro.