By BrianC
February 23 2006

It appears that lessons have been learned from last season. We have a 1pm kick off next Sunday to avoid going head to head with the Ireland vs. Wales game at Lansdowne Road.

For many of those going to the match this will mean a mini double-header as the game will no doubt be shown after the main business of the day, that being our Guinness Premiership meeting with Northampton Saints.

The Saints had a turgid start to the season. At the beginning of this year they were well in the relegation zone. Whilst not fully out of trouble yet they have since given themselves some breathing space courtesy of a crucial narrow victory over Leeds, a good draw against Wasps at the Causeway stadium and a serious thumping of Saracens last week. Our one meeting of the season thus far saw Saints notch up a 25 - 23 victory over us at Franklin’s Gardens last October. That win, as with others Saints have had this season, was surrounded in controversy over timekeeping.

Currently Saints are seventh in the table with 32 points. So tight are things in the middle of the table at present that they are one of six clubs who could still either face relegation or qualify for the Heineken Cup on GP position alone.

With two thirds of the season past us we can now say that this has been our best since the triumphant 01/02 one. Not, it has to be said that it hasn’t had its ups and downs. Our glorious victories at the Rec against a resurgent Bath side and at Kingsholm a few weeks ago will mark this down as a very special season. These victories sandwiched a woeful display at home to Newcastle.

We currently sit fifth in the table on 39 points. Whatever happens elsewhere next weekend we will not drop any places. If, however, we are to stand any chance of a top four finish games such as this one are ones that we should win. Both Leicester and Gloucester above us are within reach.

Saints no doubt have other ideas. By all accounts Carlos Spencer was imperious in their bonus point victory over Saracens last weekend. He will need to be watched. The Saints appear to be running back into form and with the added incentive of a chance at a Heineken Cup spot to spur them on they will be well up for this game.

One would expect Magne, if fit, to be on international duties. Him aside and subject to injuries we are likely to see pretty well the same lineup as started against Bath last week. Delon’s claim on the 15 spot looks to be good, as does his partnership with Topsy Ojo and Paddy Tagicakibau.

We have not beaten Northampton at the Madejski since November 01. The Madejski has been a happy hunting ground indeed for them. Of the nine matches they have played there, in all competitions, they have won seven. As we have already done with some of our other bogeys this season, it’s time for us to put a stop to that record. I think this London Irish side can.