RugbyRebels

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS vs BRISTOL BEARS
Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Round 8
Saturday 29 October 2022
cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens
Kick-off: 3pm

15 George Hendy
14 Matt Proctor
13 Fraser Dingwall (c)
12 Rory Hutchinson
11 Ollie Sleightholme
10 Fin Smith
9 Alex Mitchell

1 Emmanuel Iyogun
2 Mike Haywood
3 Paul Hill
4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
5 Alex Moon
6 Sam Graham
7 Aaron Hinkley
8 Juarno Augustus

Replacements:
16 Sam Matavesi
17 Ethan Waller
18 Alfie Petch
19 Brandon Nansen
20 Angus Scott-Young
21 Tom James
22 James Grayson
23 Tom Collins

Not considered for selection:
Matthew Arden, Dan Biggar, Tommy Freeman, Aston Gradwick-Light, Ethan Grayson, Courtney Lawes, George Patten, and Karl Wilkins.

International duty:
Alex Coles, George Furbank, Lewis Ludlam, and David Ribbans.

Referee: Hamish Smales
Assistant Referees: Greg Macdonald and Phil Watters
No.4: Gareth Holsgrove
TMO: David Rose

BRISTOL TEAM TO PLAY SAINTS
15 Charles Piutau, 14 Luke Morahan, 13 Piers O’Conor, 12 Sam Bedlow, 11 Henry Purdy, 10 Callum Sheedy, 9 Andy Uren; 1 Jake Woolmore, 2 Harry Thacker, 3 Max Lahiff, 4 Joe Batley, 5 Joe Joyce (c), 6 Magnus Bradbury, 7 Sam Lewis, 8 Fitz Harding.
Replacements: 16 Will Capon, 17 Yann Thomas, 18 Jay Tyack, 19 Chris Vui, 20 Jake Heenan, 21 Will Porter, 22 AJ MacGinty, 23 Jack Bates.

In a move that shocks no-one, Fin Smith debuts for Saints, given the rumours of imminent Biggexit. Bit of a sink or swim moment - going from lower table club, to unemployed, to joining a big club as a project for the future, to "SURPRISE! You're now the first choice 10 for a playoff-chasing club - go well!"

I mean, I think he's got the skills to cope with it, but it's a hell of a transition.

Puja

Quite a statement selection from Saints to start with Smith. They could put him on the bench. Its bold and i hope it comes off. He's got some very good players around him to help him settle. Nice to see Hendy getting a start.
Porter on the Bristol bench. So too Tyack, who was at Worcester.

Haywood starting is odd. Saints somewhat denuded.

Bristol look so much less of a threat without Genge and Sinkler! Also, didn't realise that Tyack was on trial, but with 5 props out unavailable i guess we needed someone in. 100th appearances for P'OC and Vyu - fingers crossed we get the win.

Hopefully we start seeing Siva back soon - apparently he's now running over 10m/s in training but he's heavier than ever as well.

Great to see young Fin Smith get a go. We know the Saints love to attack but applying control and territorial tactics are going to be on his shoulders as it is a Saints weakness. If he keeps the attack going and brings the tactical stability then a lot of the Saints management team will feel a lot better about the prospect of Biggxit. Of course if he manages to do that for a few games running both Eddie and Gregor will be in contact as both could do with another flyhalf option with Fin's level of potential. I seriously think he'll be leading a team into the 2027 world cup.

I wonder if Haywood starting at hooker is reflective of Saints not playing a hybrid lock/flanker type at 6, maybe they feel with one jumper less his throwing is just that bit more accurate.

decent start from saints looking at scoreline!!

This is shocking... 0-7 to 31 - 7 is just appalling.

Hate to pile in on the coach but after the last few games some big questions need to be asked of Lam and the coaching set up.

Typical of Saints after half time to go down quicker than a prop on a see saw. Glad they stuck it out though and a good first game from Smith.