Teams Up for Saints - Vinny Starts.

[Rossm]

Lee Blackett has named his side to take on Northampton Saints at Coventry Building Society Arena in Round 5 of the Gallagher Premiership on Sunday 9 October, kick off 3pm.

New signing, Vincent Koch starts at tighthead prop as he makes his first appearance in Black and Gold since linking up with the squad following his time with the Springboks this summer.

Joining him in the front row are Gabriel Oghre and Robin Hislop.

Captain Joe Launchbury lines up alongside Kiran McDonald in the second row, with Nizaam Carr, Jack Willis and Tom Willis completing the pack.

Dan Robson returns to the starting line-up at 9, joined by Charlie Atkinson at 10, with Ryan Mills and Burger Odendaal forming the centre partnership.

On the wings, Josh Bassett starts at 11 and Paolo Odogwu makes his first Gallagher Premiership start this season, in at 14.

Following his impressive display against Bath Rugby in Round 3, Jacob Umaga starts at full back.

In the replacements, senior academy player Immanuel Feyi-Waboso makes the Gallagher Premiership matchday 23 for the first time, having impressed in the opening pool stages of the Premiership Cup.

15. Jacob Umaga, 14. Paolo Odogwu, 13. Burger Odendaal, 12. Ryan Mills, 11. Josh Bassett, 10. Charlie Atkinson, 9. Dan Robson; 1. Robin Hislop, 2. Gabriel Oghre, 3. Vincent Koch, 4. Joe Launchbury (c), 5. Kiran McDonald, 6. Nizaam Carr, 7. Jack Willis, 8. Tom Willis

Replacements: 16. Dan Frost, 17. Rodrigo Martinez, 18. John Ryan, 19. Tim Cardall, 20. Ben Morris, 21. Will Porter, 22. Will Haydon-Wood, 23. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso

[westwaleswasp]

Tasty. Not messing about there, I think that is the best available, though you can argue over 1 where minutes played abd recovery come into it.

[Neils]

Interesting team choices. Will be worth travelling for.

[Peej]

Having Mills at 12 and Burger at 13 will change the style we play a bit. Not sure I get that after 3 rounds.

Also don't really understand having three 10s in the 23, I'd rather a back covering centre or fullback would have been picked. I suppose Paolo could shift in one if necessary.

Bad news that West is injured again.

[Shugs]

I’m assuming West and Spink are injured. Right call to start Koch I think. Also think Odogwu gives us some X factor on the wing. Harsh on Alo but he’ll get plenty of game time.

[Rossm]

Saints
15 George Furbank
14 Tommy Freeman
13 Matt Proctor
12 Fraser Dingwall
11 Ollie Sleightholme
10 Dan Biggar
9 Alex Mitchell

1 Alex Waller
2 Sam Matavesi
3 Paul Hill
4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
5 Alex Moon
6 Alex Coles
7 Lewis Ludlam (c)
8 Sam Graham

Replacements:
16 Robbie Smith
17 Ethan Waller
18 Alfie Petch
19 David Ribbans
20 Juarno Augustus
21 Tom James
22 Rory Hutchinson
23 Courtnall Skosan

[Peej]

That's a good Saints team. With quality to bring off the bench too, particularly in the forwards.

[mike909]

A no pee around pack and some x-factor, assuming everyone is up to pace. If Saints have any area where you can press them, then a v solid set piece will be a decent starting point.  Nervous on this one. We need a number of things to click and we need team management from Dan. The pack is more than decent, but I'm hoping with Mills and Dan, that we can put our foot on the ball a bit and not try to out run a team that's no mug..

[JonnyD]

Assume Kibirige is injured too as he is not included at all.
Think Ododgwu and IF-W don’t really weaken us defensively but both improve us in attack.

Shame West is out but the centre partnership could be good but will be interesting to see if Mills and Umaga get in each others way a bit with both wanting the ball if Charlie is tied up.

[Bloke in North Dorset]

I haven’t had chance to watch any games other than ours so far this season. How do the forward specialists expect Oghre and Frost to fare against Matevesi?

I think we can expect Bigger to be targeting Jacob with high balls, I still rate Bigger as one of the best kick chasers in the league.  Hopefully Lee’s come up with a counter measure, Jacob is brave but his technique can let him down.

[Rugbyintheblood]

Like the look of the 🐝 team and looking forward to seeing them in action at the CBSA.

When you’ve got a World Class player, obviously he’s going to play - so it will be fantastic to witness Koch’s debut.

I’m sorry Alfie is injured and wish him a speedy recovery, but this IMHO is still a top back row selection.

Centre pick is full of experience and it’’s good to see them start together.

Also looking forward to seeing the super quick Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, come off the bench.

Should be a very good match as Saints will be tough opposition. 

[Shugs]

Assume Kibirige is injured too as he is not included at all.
Think Ododgwu and IF-W
don’t really weaken us defensively but both improve us in attack.

Shame West is out but the centre partnership could be good but will be interesting to see if Mills and Umaga get in each others way a bit with both wanting the ball if Charlie is tied up.

I think it’s entirely possible Kibirige is out solely due to form. He needs time out of the spotlight to somehow get his confidence back.

[mike909]

Assume Kibirige is injured too as he is not included at all.
Think Ododgwu and IF-W
don’t really weaken us defensively but both improve us in attack.

Shame West is out but the centre partnership could be good but will be interesting to see if Mills and Umaga get in each others way a bit with both wanting the ball if Charlie is tied up.

I think it’s entirely possible Kibirige is out solely due to form. He needs time out of the spotlight to somehow get his confidence back.

I was hoping he might get a loan spell with a Championship side as it's not like he hasn't got the tools. 

[NellyWellyWaspy]

I was hoping he might get a loan spell with a Championship side as it's not like he hasn't got the tools.

Not a bad idea.

[Steve from Cov]

Hoping as many as possible can make Sunday’s game to watch two strong teams.

It’s a pity Tom West isn’t available but our forwards look very strong.

Can’t wait.