Leeds Carnegie v Northampton Saints preview

Leeds Carnegie coaching duo of Andy Key and Neil Back have elected to make just one change to their starting line up for their clash with Northampton Saints at Headingley Carnegie

Looking ahead to the match Leeds Carnegie Head Coach Neil Back said,” The overriding feeling after our defeat last week at Gloucester was one of frustration for the players and coaching staff. We created a lot of chances but failed to make the most of the hard work we had done. ”

“Northampton are in great form at the moment and are playing some quality rugby.”

Samoan international Alfie To’oala will start at number eight in place of Rhys Oakley who is amongst the replacements.

Scott Mathie retains his place at scrum half whilst young fly half Joe Ford is back amongst the replacements after missing last week’s 19-0 defeat at Gloucester with a back injury that ruled him out in the pre-match warm up.

The last five encounters between the two sides in the Guinness Premiership have all been won by the home team on the day, whilst the Saints have not won on Leeds turf since 2 May 2004.

Northampton Saints’ only defeat in any Guinness Premiership match since the end of October was 6-13 at Harlequins on 20 February.

Match : Leeds Carnegie v Northampton Saints
Venue : Headingley Carnegie
Date : Saturday 3 April
Kick Off :3pm
Referee: Chris White (175th Premiership game)

Teams

Leeds Carnegie :15. Leigh Hinton , 14. Henry Fa’afili , 13. Seru Rabeni , 12. Scott Barrow , 11. Lee Blackett , 10. CeironThomas , 9. Scott Mathie , 1. Mike Macdonald , 2. Andy Titterrell , 3. Juan Gomez , 4. Erik Lund , 5. Marco Wentzel (c) , 6. Kearnan Myall , 7. Hendre Fourie , 8. Alfie To’oala

Reserves 16. Vili Ma’asi , 17. Gareth Hardy , 18. Phil Swainston , 19. Calum Clark , 20. Rhys Oakley , 21. Joe Bedford , 22. Joe Ford , 23. Richard Welding

Northampton Saints 15 Ben Foden , 14 Chris Ashton , 13 Joe Ansbro , 12 James Downey , 11 Bruce Reihana , 10 Stephen Myler , 9 Lee Dickson , 1 Brian Mujati , 2 Brett Sharman , 3 Euan Murray , 4 Court