Saints v Newcastle: Teams

Jim Mallinder has backed his Northampton side to maintain their recent fine form in the Aviva Premeirship, despite being hit by international call-ups.

The Saints have four players away on England duty and, with Bruce Reihana still out injured, Mallinder has been forced into making several changes to the side that so handsomely beat Wasps last weekend.

But the Northampton supremo insists he is happy with the strength in depth in his squad and believes that the players coming in will not let the team down.

"All of our players have been battling hard for selection all season, which is one of the reasons our standards have been high," he said.

"We pick on form and to keep the shirt the players have had to play well.

"We want our players to have ambitions to represent their country and it is a fact of life that if you are successful there are times of the season when you have to do without some of your players.

"But we believe that our squad has the depth we need to stay at the top end of the league table. Everyone who is coming in deserves their chance."

One change for Falcons

Meanwhile, Newcastle head coach Alan Tait has made just one change to his side for the trip to Franklin's Gardens with Filipo Levi coming into the second row for Glen Townson.

Jeremy Manning returns on the bench with the ex-Munsterman having missed the last two games due to ankle trouble.

Luke Fielden will be looking to continue his hot streak on the right wing with the summer signing having touched down in each of his last three outings.

Speaking ahead of the game, Tait said: "We all probably had a sleepless night last Friday after the Saracens game, but you just have to move on and that's the beauty of this league.

"Northampton away is a big enough challenge for us to focus on without doubt, especially when you look at what they did down at Wasps last weekend.

"That's the thing about this Aviva Premiership, there's no let-up and it's quality opposition every single week, so you don't have time to dwell on your last game too much.

Northampton: 15 Greig Tonks, 14 Joe Ansbro, 13 Jon Clarke, 12 James Downey, 11 Paul Diggin, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Roger Wilson, 7 Tom Wood, 6 Phil Dowson (capt), 5 Christian Day, 4 Calum Clark, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Brett Sharman, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Andy Long, 17 Regardt Dreyer, 18 Tom Mercey, 19 Mark Sorenson, 20 Mark Easter, 21 Ryan Powell, 22 Shane Geraghty, 23 Matt Cornwell.

Newcastle: 15 Alex Tait, 14 Luke Fielden, 13 Gcobani Bobo, 12 Luke Eves, 11 Charlie Amesbury, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Micky Young, 8 Ally Hogg, 7 Redford Pennycook, 6 Mark Wilson, 5 Tim Swinson, 4 Filipo Levi, 3 Tim Ryan, 2 Rob Vickers (capt), 1 Kieran Brookes.
Replacements: 16 Joe Graham, 17 Grant Shiells, 18 James Hall, 19 Brent Wilson, 20 Ed Williamson, 21 Chris Pilgrim, 22 Jeremy Manning, 23 Tom Catterick.