By David Lowrence
January 3 2013

The first away match of 2013 is a long distance trip to a side which always gives us a hard game, and is given additional spice by their position 1 point behind us, with five Bonus Points to our four. The telling statistic is points difference, our 8 plays their 52 – not pretty! Having a “Rite of Passage” birthday on Saturday, I will not be travelling for once, but here is my take on the match from the Wooton Club.

Aviva Premiership Round 13

Exeter Chiefs v Northampton Saints

Sandy Park Saturday 5^th January 2013 KO 3pm

So close, nearly there, only just, playing for 60 rather than 80. The plethora of reasons for reclaiming our position as the leagues “nearly men” must be avoided this week. This is not so much a “must win” – it has to be a “will win”. This team, which we all know is capable of really good things – MUST prove that against Exeter on Saturday. There is no desire, nor room left in the season for the sort of performance the side put in against Quins and Irish this year. The performance against Saracens was one to be proud of, but I would have been prouder if we had seen the last 60 minutes   played in the first 20.

I am not carping – I am just continually disappointed in seeing a side of the calibre of Saints come up short. This week must be the Aviva turnaround. In fairness our injury count this year has been higher than we have seen for some time: Day (twice), Wilson, Digger, Mercey , Dickinson (who he?), but the fit guys should be more than enough for top four.

So what can our side do on Saturday? Jim seems to be sticking with a side that he believes can prove a point. Whether or not that is the case, Saturday will probably be a pointer for the rest of the season. Given the forecast –dry and mild, and the absence of Brian Mujati, I expect to see starts for Waller and PDJ, with a freshly kicked up the backside Dylan (no more penalties please). Zorro has to start, preferably with Samu, Courtney on the bench (I really hope that we have not been playing him out of form for the sake of Mr Lancaster’s requirements), and VanVelze, Dowson and Wood as the back 3. We have to find a way of getting Calum Clark into this mix, so I suspect he and Luther Burrell will end up on the Bench. Calum’s ability on the ground has been startlingly good, he has the smarts to completely blow Exeter off their game, but I am not sure where he should fit. Given his Ulster form, perhaps  in the second row for a rested Sanu.

Myler and Dickson (sans slow box kicking please) with George and Ken (sound like a pair of contemporary artists!)  Elliott and Foden to complete the starters.

Exeter is a dangerous side, but not overly so – they have some injury problems too. I don’t know enough to attempt a pick of their side, but from their site it would be something like -

1               Moon,

2               Clark,

3               Rimmer 

4               Muldowney and

5               Mumm 

6               Tom Johnson,

7               Scaysbrook

8               Baxter 

9               Thomas

10           Steenson,

11           Camacho,

12           Shoemark

13           Whitten

14            Jess

15           Arscott

I expect to see the venerable Chris Budgen (if fit) make an appearance at some stage

Saints players have committed to deliver this week – I think they will. Saints by 10

News: Match Preview - A day in the West Country for Saints

Discussion started by ComeOnYouSaints.com , 03/01/2013 12:32

ComeOnYouSaints.com
03/01/2013 12:32

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Albion Saint
03/01/2013 12:58

Stirring words that ring so true. Being so far away from the Shire it is rare to see the boys. So for this one I will be part of the sixteenth man. Shouting loud and proud for my adopted team.

Really looking forward to the short drive North with an Exeter fan in the passenger seat.

Albion Saint

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St.Rich Joe, Niamh and Sam's Dad
03/01/2013 16:46

Lovely preview.

Nigeria (awesome autocorrect by my phone) surely they only get a lift home if we win or you're on a promise?

No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.

Dryathlon

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Saint Tim
03/01/2013 23:15

I was so gladdened when I heard Persil Boy had backed us to come off second.





“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”

Benjamin Franklin

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