Ben Gibson previews the visit of Harlequins at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday…
Stephen Myler starts on the bench when Quins come to Saints on Saturday putting Harry Mallinder back in the hotseat at fly-half.
And Harry is ready to do whatever job is asked of him, saying: “If I am asked then I’ll do.”
He has been playing at fly-half while Stephen Myler works his way back from injury and found he has liked having his hands on the reins in a game.
“Yeah I am enjoying it its different. It is slightly different as you’re leading the team.
“You’re in charge of the team’s attack and really the direction of the side. I enjoy that challenge and I enjoy the difference it brings to the game.
“I am enjoying the kicking responsibilities and the team are doing well so I can’t complain.”
Games can be won or lost by a fly-half but Harry is revelling in the pressure.
“Yeah I love it and I think that it is something from an early age that I loved about rugby.
“I could be the kicker and it didn’t matter too much when you were a little lad. It can be on your shoulders whether you win a game or not. Crucial moments but I enjoy the pressure. I just love kicking the ball.”
Teimana Harrison and Luther Burrell are both reporting fit for action with Dylan Hartley and Paul Hill notable absentees. Courtney Lawes retains the armband and will start the game at Six.
Quins will be a test on all fronts.
“They are a very good team – some great individuals – but also a very good team,” said Harry.
“They have that new lad Marcus Smith who is a good player if you give him some time and space.
“They have challenges across the board.
“We are excited for it. We are back at home and I think we just want to build up on that start that we have made.
“We have a couple more weeks and then into Europe. The games come thick and fast but we just take this Quins game and go from there.”
Northampton Saints v Harlequins
Franklin’s Gardens, 3pm Saturday
Saints
15 Ahsee Tuala
14 George North
13 Rob Horne
12 Luther Burrell
11 Tom Collins
10 Harry Mallinder
9 Nic Groom
1 Alex Waller
2 Mikey Haywood
3 Kieran Brookes
4 Michael Paterson
5 David Ribbans
6 Courtney Lawes (Capt)
7 Jamie Gibson
8 Teimana Harrison
16 Reece Marshall
17 Francois van Wyk
18 Jamal Ford-Robinson
19 Api Ratuniyarawa
20 Sam Dickinson
21 Cobus Reinach
22 Stephen Myler
23 Ben Foden
Harlequins
15 Aaron Morris
14 Marland Yarde
13 Joe Marchant
12 Jamie Roberts
11 Tim Visser
10 Marcus Smith
9 Danny Care
1 Mark Lambert
2 Dave Ward (Capt)
3 Kyle Sinckler
4 George Merrick
5 Charlie Matthews
6 Ben Glynn
7 Jack Clifford
8 Mat Luamanu
16 Elia Elia
17 Lewis Boyce
18 Will Collier
19 Dino Lamb
20 Archie White
21 Dave Lewis
22 Tim Swiel
23 Alofa Alofa
[…] Saints and Harlquins team news here […]