LV= Cup final: Teams
Gloucester coach Bryan Redpath may have admired Northampton's achievements, but that will not stop him plotting their downfall.
Last Updated: 21/03/10 9:54am
Gloucester coach Bryan Redpath may have admired Northampton's achievements this season, but that will not stop him plotting their downfall.
The Saints go into the game challenging for honours on three fronts, while Gloucester have overcome a stuttering start to reach the final of the LV= Cup.
And although both sides will be missing a number of internationals for the first final of the season, Redpath is confident going into the clash at Sixways.
"It's massive for the club," said Redpath. "We set ourselves some targets to achieve and the first of those comes up with this final on Sunday.
"Northampton are a quality side, they've been very consistent throughout the season. We have looked at some of the stuff they've achieved this season and admired it. It's been outstanding.
"It's going to be a tough challenge. We have a fairly hefty injury and absentee list, but that's life.
"The boys that are here are still good enough to go out and compete at this level and I am looking forward to it massively."
Dangerous
Gloucester are able to call on Scotland scrum-half Rory Lawson for the clash, while Tim Molenaar, Pierre Capdevielle and Adam Eustace come into the starting XV.
Northampton have also tweaked their line-up, with Shane Geraghty moving to full-back to accommodate Stephen Myler at fly-half, while Courtney Lawes partners Juandre Kruger in the second row.
And director of rugby Jim Mallinder knows his side will have to raise their game against the resurgent Cherry and Whites.
"We've won all our games so far in the LV= Cup and we want to go one step further on Sunday," said Mallinder.
"We want to do our best and win every game, regardless of the competition, we don't pick and choose. We've entered this competition and we want to lift the silverware.
"We've got to a final and have been putting all our emphasis and focus on a Gloucester team that will be very dangerous.
"They are playing a good style of rugby and have plenty of players who have come back into form over the past few weeks.
"They also performed well against Cardiff Blues last week in the semi-final and I am expecting a tough game."
Northampton:, 15 Shane Geraghty, 14 Bruce Reihana, 13 Jon Clarke, 12 James Downey, 11 Paul Diggin, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Roger Wilson, 7 Neil Best, 6 Phil Dowson (c), 5 Juandre Kruger, 4 Courtney Lawes, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Brett Sharman, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Andy Long, 17 Regardt Dreyer, 18 Jon Vickers, 19 Mark Hopley, 20 Mark Easter, 21 Alan Dickens, 22 Barry Everitt, 23 Joe Ansbro.
Gloucester: 15 Freddie Burns, 14 James Simpson-Daniel, 13 Tim Molenaar, 12 Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, 11 Lesley Vainikolo, 10 Nicky Robinson, 9 Rory Lawson, 8 Adam Eustace, 7 Akapusi Qera, 6 Peter Buxton (c), 5 Alex Brown, 4 Will James, 3 Pierre Capdevielle, 2 Olivier Azam, 1 Nick Wood.
Replacements: 16 Darren Dawidiuk, 17 Yann Thomas, 18 Rupert Harden, 19 Apo Satala, 20 Andy Hazell, 21 Dave Lewis, 22 Tom Voyce, 23 Charlie Sharples.