Mallinder insists Saints are taking clash seriously
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder has insisted that Northampton Saints are travelling to Montpellier with every intention of winning tomorrow's European Challenge Cup match.
Saints have already qualified for the quarter-finals but have yet to guarantee a home tie.
They will also be facing a Montpellier side who are yet to lose at home in this season's Challenge Cup.
So Mallinder says that nothing is being taken for granted.
"The final two rounds of pool matches are vital for us as we still need wins to secure a home quarter final," he said.
"There has been a quick turnaround after the game against Leicester and we have obviously had to look after everyone who played on Saturday.
"But preparation has been very thorough and we are looking forward to travelling to Montpellier.
"It is a club that has great backing off the field, a superb stadium and are one of the most ambitious clubs in the Top 14.
"They also still have chances of making the knock out stages of the competition, which will make tomorrow night's game extremely tough for us.
"French clubs are always difficult to play on their home ground and we are ready for a match full of commitment from both teams."
Saints have named a strong side for the clash with nine of the men who started against Leicester on Saturday included.
Saints: 15 Bruce Reihana (capt), 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Jon Clarke, 12 Chris Mayor, 11 Paul Diggin, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Ben Foden, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha, 2 Dylan Hartley, 3 Barry Stewart, 4 Christian Day, 5 Juandre Kruger, 6 Mark Easter, 7 Scott Gray, 8 Mark Hopley. Reps: 16 Paul Shields, 17 Tom Smith, 18 Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, 19 Courtney Lawes, 20 Lee Dickson, 21 Carlos Spencer, 22 Sean Lamont.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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