Northampton Saints name starting XV for Gallagher Premiership Final against Bath Rugby

Northampton Saints have revealed their squad to face Bath Rugby at Twickenham on Saturday in the final of the Gallagher Premiership.

England internationals Curtis Langdon, Trevor Davison, Alex Coles, and Tom Pearson retain their places in the Saints’ pack, joining captain Courtney Lawes and lock Alex Moon. No.8 Juarno Augustus, who was dominant in their recent Champions Cup semi final against Leinster, completes the pack.

Scrum-half Alex Mitchell, pairs with top points scorer Fin Smith in the half-back berths for the final time this season, whilst they also stick with their prolific back-three combination of Ollie Sleightholme, Tommy Freeman, and George Furbank. Fraser Dingwall partners with last week’s only try-scorer, Burger Odendaal, in Northampton’s midfield.

Back row Lewis Ludlam will make his final appearance as a Saint from among Northampton’s replacements. The bench also includes Sam Matavesi, Emmanuel Iyogun, Elliot Millar Mills, Temo Mayanavanua, Sam Graham, Tom James, and George Hendy, as the Saints opt for a 6-2 split for the Final.

Speaking about his team selection, Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson said:

“Throughout the season, we have had lots and lots of players contribute a lot. We have relied on the depth of the squad and there are a lot of players who are unlucky not to be involved and are frustrated about that,

“Clearly it is difficult to pick for big games like this, because these are the games that define people. It’s a big game that everyone wants to play in, so there is some disappointment and pressure around that, but we have gone with the team that we think best suits us to get a good performance.

“There is a responsibility for every player picked to wear that shirt and represent all of us. We win together, we lose together, it is a huge squad effort and everyone has a role to play. It might not be the role you choose at the moment, but you have got to keep on grafting away until it is.”

Northampton Saints XV

15 George Furbank
14 Tommy Freeman
13 Burger Odendaal
12 Fraser Dingwall
11 Ollie Sleightholme
10 Fin Smith
9 Alex Mitchell

1 Alex Waller
2 Curtis Langdon
3 Trevor Davison
4 Alex Moon
5 Alex Coles
6 Courtney Lawes (c)
7 Tom Pearson
8 Juarno Augustus

Replacements:
16 Sam Matavesi
17 Emmanuel Iyogun
18 Elliot Millar Mills
19 Temo Mayanavanua
20 Sam Graham
21 Lewis Ludlam
22 Tom James
23 George Hendy

For the Bath squad, click below:

Bath starting XV for Gallagher Premiership Final | Rugbydump