Aviva Premiership Semi-Final Preview:

Northampton vs Saracens: 

This match is set to be an absolute cracker. A rematch of last seasons final, these two sides are in flying form and are more than ready to do battle. Both endured disappointing European Cup exits, and they will both be desperate to get their hands on some silverware before their seasons come to an end.

There is plenty of bulk to go around in the front rows, and both boast international caps aplenty. Northampton have gone with Lions hero Alex Corbisiero at loosehead and Wallaby Salesi Ma’afu at tight head. Captain Dylan Hartley starts at hooker, and one hopes he won’t do anything stupid, because he is a quality player when he keeps his head on straight. Saracens will call upon Mako Vunipola, who is in really good form at the moment, and offers a lot with ball in hand, along with Petrus Du Plessis, who will solidify Sarries scrum. Jamie George has done a great job filling in for Schalk Brits, who is continuing to work his way back from that horrific knee injury.

Saracens locks are Alistair Hargreaves and George Kruis. Kruis has had a great season, shining for England when given his chance, while remaining influential for his club as well. As for Northampton, they start with the experience of Christian Day, and then couple him with the explosive power of Courtney Lawes. Its a wonder that Lawes is even allowed to play in the match, as far as I know he is still wanted for the murder of Jules Plisson, along with a slue of other half-backs.

Young Maro Itoje gets another start for Saracens, as he pushes himself further and further into Stuart Lancaster’s mind. The young man offers a lot around the field, and things only get more menacing in the Saracens back row. Jacques Burger starts at 7, and he will surely leave some bruises on the Northampton players, and then Big Billy Vunipola starts at 8, and what a weapon he has been for Saracens in attack. Calum Clark and Tom Wood are the two industrious flankers for Northampton, and they may cause some problems at the breakdown, while Samu Manoa starts at 8. Manoa has been a force to be reckoned with all season, and he, like Lawes, is partial to a big hit or two along the way, as he showed when he stopped Julian “the Bus” Savea.

Lee Dickson and Stephen Myler will be looking to keep things simple and clean, as they have done for Northampton all season. Myler’s reliable boot means that Saracens will need to be disciplined, while also maintaining the shape and structure of their defensive backfield. Richard Wigglesworth starts for Saracens, who will doubtless use his masterful box kicking to keep the game in the right areas of the field, while Owen Farrell is back at 10 and will be looking get his spot back for England, and redeem himself for his egregious error in last seasons final, when he injured himself celebrating a try that was disallowed shortly thereafter.

 

Brad Barritt will add his defensive prowess from inside center for Saracens, and will be joined by Duncan Taylor. These two make for a very large center pairing, and could have an attritional impact on the Northampton defense. Luther Burrell and George Pisi start in the centers for the Saints, and they will offer a bit more offensive spark. This shaping up to be a great physical battle between these two pairings, and it should make for some great viewing.

Jamie Elliott and Ken Pisi will want to continue their good play of late, although Northampton will doubtlessly be missing the massive presence of George North, who had a huge impact on last seasons final. Ahsee Tuala continues to impress for Saints, and this is his chance to make a big name for himself, with Ben Foden still unavailable. David Strettle has been scoring tries almost at will this season, and his remarkable ability to snag balls out of the air sees him hang onto his spot on the left wing, while Chris Wyles starts on the right. Wyles has been having a phenomenal season, and will want to head to the World Cup with the USA Eagles with some silverware in the trophy case already. Alex Goode has been consistent for Saracens, and will relish the chance to have a go at this relatively untested Northampton back three.

Last seasons final was one of the best rugby matches we saw in 2014. The extra time battle had everything, and was full of non-stop, edge of your seat action. There is absolutely no reason to believe that this season’s semi-final will not hold more of the same. Saracens have been in incredible form over the last few weeks, and head into this fixture with all of the momentum, and that may just be the difference in a match as tight as this one.

Prediction: Saracens 25- Northampton 23