Preview of Northampton Saints' big opening game
Back in the big time – and what a mouth-watering prospect Sunday's game is.
It is up front where games are decided. But the match-up of Saints' and Worcester's back-three is what the Premiership is all about.
And what Franklin's Gardens fans have been missing for a whole year.
After watching Bruce Reihana waltz through the first division we will finally see the former All Black up against one of the best full-backs in the world.
The signing of Chris Latham by Worcester is a huge statement of intent – rugby's version of Manchester City's capture of Robinho.
Latham has long been regarded as the best 15 on the international stage and will represent a huge threat to Saints.
And alongside him Worcester have former All Black speedster Rico Gear.
The former Crusader scored 12 tries in 19 appearances for Worcester last season and in his All Black career he touched down 26 times in just 16 games.
But Saints have Chris Ashton and we will see just how good he is when he takes on another youngster tipped for the top in Miles Benjamin.
On the other wing for Saints is the return of powerhouse Sean Lamont.
Having been out since November last year after wrecking his anterior cruiate ligament the Scot will be raring to go and it will be largely up to him to stop Gear.
Lamont may not have the speed of Ashton, Benjamin or Gear, but he tops them with strength and he can finish as well as the best of them.
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder has stuck with the side that thrashed Treviso last Sunday.
The trial run couldn't have gone much better as Saints ran in 10 tries for a 66-0 thrashing.
Mallinder was particularly pleased with Saints' kick-and-chase game.
But he is also well aware of the threat Worcester pose.
"They are one of the up and coming teams in England," he said.
"They finished last season strongly in the Premiership and reached the Challenge Cup final.
"Mike Ruddock has also brought in some high quality players over the summer.
"They also have a fantastic record at Franklin's Gardens in recent years, which shouldn't be forgotten.
"We've performed well in pre-season but that will not matter tomorrow afternoon.
"It is a massive challenge that the players and coaches are all excited about and motivated to meet.
"We have been working hard through the week and will give it our all against the Warriors."
Six of the summer signings will make their Saints debut.
Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe and Christian Day partner each other in the second row, Roger Wilson, Neil Best and Scott Gray start in the back row while England Saxon Lee Dickson wears the number nine shirt.
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Weather for Kettering
Thursday 09 February 2012
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