Courtney Lawes returns from injury for Northampton

Northampton Saints received a timely boost as former England captain, Courtney Lawes, returns from injury to feature in their must-win Gallagher Premiership clash with Saracens on Saturday afternoon.

Lawes, who makes only his second league appearance of the season and first since September, will start at blindside flanker and is the headline inclusion in the back row for the men in Black, Green and Gold. His return is sure to be a welcome addition for Director of Rugby Phil Dowson, who will be looking to secure a crucial victory to keep their top-four hopes alive.

Alongside Lawes, Fiji international Sam Matavesi, who recently signed a new contract with the club, will also start at hooker. The rest of the team remains largely unchanged, with Northampton skipper Lewis Ludlam leading the hosts from openside and No.8 Juarno Augustus completing the back row.

Although Saracens have edged out Northampton in their last six visits to Franklin’s Gardens in the Premiership, the home side will be hoping to continue their winning streak on home soil, having won their last seven league fixtures. With Lawes’ return, they will be looking to put up a strong challenge against the table toppers and secure a crucial victory.

In addition to Lawes, the Saints will also have a strong bench, featuring the likes of Paul Hill, Alex Coles, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, and Tom Collins, who will be looking to make an impact late in the game.

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS TEAM:

15 George Furbank

14 James Ramm

13 Fraser Dingwall

12 Rory Hutchinson

11 Tommy Freeman

10 Fin Smith9 Alex Mitchell

1 Alex Waller

2 Sam Matavesi

3 Trevor Davison

4 David Ribbans

5 Alex Moon

6 Courtney Lawes

7 Lewis Ludlam (c)

8 Juarno Augustus

REPLACEMENTS:

16 Tom Cruse

17 Ethan Waller

18 Paul Hill

19 Alex Coles

20 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto

21 Sam Graham

22 Tom James

23 Tom Collins