Northampton v Wasps: Teams
Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder believes his side can now build on their victory over Leeds when they face Wasps.
By Tony Curtis - Twitter: @SkySportsTC
Last Updated: 25/03/11 4:08pm
Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder believes his side can now build on their victory over Leeds when they face Wasps.
Saints ended a barren run without a win with victory at Headingley and Mallinder is confident that result will be a turning point for their season.
"It wasn't just a victory, but a much better performance against Leeds," said the Saints boss.
"We got our basics right and dominated up front. We played aggressively and took our opportunities well.
"It was a much needed win and we were pleased to get that under our belts. We had a good week off, hopefully the players have been well rested, and we have had a good week's training too. Hopefully we can take that into the game with Wasps."
Mallinder will welcome back his England quartet of Chris Ashton, Ben Foden, Tom Wood and Dylan Hartley for Sunday's clash.
Fit-again
Wasps have made four changes to their line-up for the trip to Franklin's Gardens - but there is no place for Josh Lewsey.
Former England full-back Lewsey came out of retirement as cover for the backs until the end of the season.
Wasps do include fit-again vice-captain Rob Webber, England lock Simon Shaw, Zak Taulafo and Steve Kefu.
"The game against Northampton this weekend marks the start of a crucial period for us in the Premiership starting with two away games against Northampton and London Irish before we welcome Leeds to Adams Park and head to Twickenham for our St George's Day Game," said interim director of rugby Leon Holden.
"We must take every game on its own merits but a good run of results in this block of fixtures will define our season.
Northampton: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Jon Clarke, 12 James Downey, 11 Paul Diggin, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Roger Wilson, 7 Tom Wood, 6 Phil Dowson, 5 Christian Day, 4 Courtney Lawes, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Dylan Hartley (c), 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements:16 Brett Sharman, 17 Alex Waller, 18 Tom Mercey, 19 Mark Sorenson, 20 Calum Clark, 21 Stuart Commins, 22 Shane Geraghty, 23 Bruce Reihana.
Wasps: 15 Richard Haughton, 14 Ben Jacobs, 13 Steve Kefu, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 David Lemi, 10 Dave Walder, 9 Joe Simpson, 8 Dan Ward-Smith, 7 Joe Worsley, 6 John Hart, 5 Richard Birkett (capt), 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Zak Taulafo, 2 Rob Webber, 1 Tim Payne.
Replacements: 16 Joe Ward, 17 Ben Broster, 18 Tom French, 19 James Cannon, 20 Serge Betsen, 21 Nic Berry, 22 Dom Waldouck, 23 Mark van Gisbergen.