By PelerinStJames
September 6 2013

Well, it’s here, it’s finally here, that super Saturday feeling of hope, excitement and naked anticipation is very nearly upon us.  Soon we will hear the familiar dulcet tones of our seemingly timeless compere, then the song starts, and our heroes, newly bedecked in luminous costumes that shimmer and shine beneath the lights, will take to the Stage.   

Aviva Premiership Round 1 

Northampton Saints v Exeter Chiefs

Franklin's Gardens Sept 7th 2013

KO 3 pm

And what is more, this year, we welcome a huge powerhouse winger, who, amidst the raucous shouts and cheers of the audience, will no doubt waltz away from the pack and score many many points.  Oh yes folks, it’s September, and that can mean only one thing…….STRICTLY IS BACK!  THE SAINTS ARE BACK!

After what seems like an eternity since that fateful day down at Twickers, once again we will be begin our yearly pilgrimage at the Gardens, this time against Exeter, as Northampton Saints seek once again the Holy Grail that is the Aviva Premiership.   Of course, as with every off season, changes have taken place, and many questions will soon be answered.  Just how will the addition of Alex King to our coaching team affect our style of play?  Will scrums be fed straight? Wot, no Tiny? Dicko or Kahn, Kahn or Dicko? How bright is the new away kit?  Just how good is George North?

What is clear however, is that the depth and talent of the squad has grown, and the desire and hunger to lift some silverware must surely have been heightened by the events last May.   To this correspondent at least, this seasons’ squad looks stronger and more balanced than ever before, and with huge competition for places throughout, I foresee a season full of selection dilemmas for Jim.

It is customary when writing a preview to predict the team, so here is my probable for the starting Saints XV for Saturday.

15            Foden   

14            Elliott   

13            Pisi G

12            Burrell

11            North

10            Myler

9               Kahn

 1              Corbisiero

2               Hartley ©

3               Mercey

4               Day

5               Lawes

6               Clark

7               Wood

8               Manoa

Which would leave a possibles XV of  

Digger, Pisi K, Waldouck, Dickson G, Artemyev, Wilson, Dickson L

Waller , Haywood, Denman, Craig, Dickinson, Dowson, Nuttley,  van Velze

 all of whom I expect to see in the starting XV at some point in the season.  What is more, these 2 teams do not include any of our younger England age group players that are now filtering out of the Academy and in to the 1^st team squad for the pre season games and hopefully, the LV cup campaign.

So what of our opponents for the opening weekend, Exeter Chiefs?  Well, Mumm’s the word as they now embarking on their 4^th campaign in the top flight of English Rugby, Exeter have well and truly established themselves as one of the country’s top clubs.  Their continual upward trajectory of recent years stalled slightly last year, only(!)  finishing 6^th, as opposed to 8^th and then 5^th in their previous 2 premiership campaigns, but none the less they secured Heineken Cup rugby for the 2^nd year running.  As normal, Exeter and their excellent coaching team have gone quietly about their business; despite losing various club stalwarts, Richard Baxter and Chris Budgen, clever recruitment sees Ceri Sweeney and Tom James arrive from Wales.  Australian Dean Mumm takes on the captaincy, and further evidence that Exeter have arrived at the top of the tree can be seen that, in line with all top clubs, the costs of the beer and pastys at Sandy Park have skyrocketed this year. 

What will be interesting this season for the ever passionate and fantastically loud Chiefs fans will be to see the continued development into the 1^st XV of their Academy youngsters such as Slade, Cowan-Dickie and Nowell.  It should also be noted that the Chiefs have yet to lose on the opening day of a Premiership season, defeating Sale and Gloucester at home, and 2 years ago, beating Tigers at Welford Road, 30-28.  Their team should be something like:

15            Dollman

14            Vainikolo

13            Whitten

12            Shoemark

11            James

10            Steenson

9               Chudleigh

1               Sturgess

2               Yeandle

3               Tui

4               Mumm ©

5               Welch

6               Johnson

7               Scaysbrook

8               Ewers

As always with the Chiefs, I am expecting a tough, hard fought encounter, with no quarter given by either side.   Saints, and particularly George North, will be carrying the heavy burden of expectation in front of the Franklins faithfull, and will be desperate to get the season off to a winning start.  Led once again by Dylan Hartley, fresh from his latest stint on the naughty step, I expect the Saints to power out of the blocks and make a fast start not just to this game, but also to the season especially whilst the pitches remain dry and hard.   I am not convinced that the loss of Tiny and Mooj will be felt too keenly given the change of emphasis at the scrum, and with the further development and confidence gained from an England tour, I also expect both Myler and Burrell to play a more expansive game this year.   Consequently, I am going to go for a Saints bonus point win this weekend, 32-16 with a fairy tale 2 try start for George.   And as for the dancing, well, its hard to look past Big Ben Cohen, isn’t it?

News: Saints v Exeter Preview - The Aviva Starts Here

Discussion started by ComeOnYouSaints.com , 06/09/2013 07:40

ComeOnYouSaints.com
06/09/2013 07:40

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St Dormouse
06/09/2013 08:29

Splendid stuff PSJ. been looking out for it all week and not disappointed. Looking forward to Saturday...

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riverlodge
06/09/2013 08:56

very well done, excellent start to a friday!
we aren't obliged to watch the dancing are we?

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StBleach
06/09/2013 09:02

Ten out of ten from me..

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OldPete
06/09/2013 09:29

Thank you PSJ - so its here at last - I'm off to buy tomorrows kipper.

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serious_saint
06/09/2013 09:37

That's got the juices flowing. Nice one PSJ
serious

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tedge
06/09/2013 10:09

Good preview PStJ despite the rather absurd optimism of your penultimate sentence; I'd settle for a 6-5 win.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:09:06:10:12:53 by tedge.

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Bob Stainsby
06/09/2013 11:34

Thank you pelerin sir! Now I AM EXCITED!

Top of the League 2014-2015 Season

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alwayshopeful
06/09/2013 12:16

Well, the first team of the year is up... and blimmey.. didn't see that coming..

Dickinson straight into the starting 15, Manoa off to the bench...but Dowson starts..?

but perhaps the biggest call is Kahn starting on the bench,...

I mean, its a fantastic bench, but really???...

Lets hope that these guys get a good run (30 mins minimum) to show their metal..

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Flinstone Saint
06/09/2013 12:59

Many thanks for an excellent build up Pelerin. Got me going nicely that did.

Never could look past Big Ben Cohen cause he is one huge laddie!

----------------------------------------

Please sponsor me for Saints with Heart [www.justgiving.com]

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Phil.
06/09/2013 17:58

Nice one, PSJ - many thanks!

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Saint Dom in Hanoi
07/09/2013 11:09

A very fine and informative preview.

Appetite duly whetted.

COYS!!


*I could agree with you - but then we'd both be wrong...*

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