EDF CUP - Pool Stage

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS v BRISTOL RUGBY

SATURDAY4th OCTOBER 2008

FRANKLIN'S GARDENS KO 3pm

Ben_D

Ah yes it's that time of the year again folks as the fans favourite cup competition the EDF trophy intervenes on the Rugby Calendar like an unwanted uncle at your 18th birthday party.

Just as the Guinness Premiership begins to build up a small head of steam it hits the EDF buffers and the BBC step in to claim ownership of some interest in club rugby, however remote. I guess they have to find something for John Inverdale and Eddie Butler to do before the six nations begins.

However unsightly the appearance of uncle EDF, this weekend's match between Northampton and Bristol might actually have more significance than first thought.

Bristol have had a wretched start to their premiership season as the side who were so successful in previous campaigns have struggled to come to terms with the ELV's. Similarly Northampton despite two relatively convincing wins on home turf in the Premiership have stumbled to successive away defeats despite taking a halftime advantage in to the changing room on both occasions. Add to that the recent suspension of Irish International Neil Best and his contribution to the back row until the end of January and there is the potential for the season to rapidly become de-railed if Saints don't stay focused.

Given that these two sides are set to encounter each other no less than five times this season the outcome of this first confrontation might have more of a long term psychological effect than either coaching team might like to admit to.

So a heads up win for Northampton would put them back on the straight and narrow whilst a break from the Premiership might just be the breathing space that Bristol need to get their season underway. It is by no means a forgone conclusion.

Suspicion has it that both sides could see a few fresh faces after this year's compressed fixture list meant midweek games for both sides, an opportunity perhaps for some of the fringe players to lay claim to a more permanent first team birth.

Saints fans will be looking forward to the return of local favourite Paul Diggin on the wing and it will interesting to see how Mordt and Mayor line up in the centre births as both of these players have a fine professional pedigree. Barry Everitt gets his first start of the season at 10 and Lee Dickson is back in the side after Ben Fodens midweek appearance at Leicester.

In the front row Hartley is replaced by the industrious Shields while Euan Murray takes a well earned rest allowing Barry Stewart a canter around the park. The second row sees Rae take on the captaincy and presents Lord with an unfortunately all too rare starting birth, whilst his athletic frame may now be suffering the ravages of time, his passion remains undaunted and he's always a joy to watch.

Lawes, Lewitt and debutant Milligan complete the line up in a side geared for pace, getting the ball away from the break down in order to give Diggin and Lamont the space to work their magic will be the issue for Northampton.

Bristol have similar replacement issues with their squad, but will still field six internationals including the likes of Rob Sidoli and the ever popular Mark Regan, (pantomime villain 2004 - 2005) a player who is always guaranteed a special reception at Franklins Gardens.

Chris Ashwin will make his first team debut for Bristol at 10 and it could be a vital confrontation with Everitt, given the increased importance of a good kicking game. Newly arrived South African, Mathew Turner also earns a starting spot on the wing.

Former Gloucester player Haydn Thomas could pose a real threat at the base of the scrum unless well marshalled and the experienced Maggs will offer some solidity in the middle of the park.

Bristol's EDF record is less than convincing, couple that with their away form and this tie becomes a home banker; however Richard Hill's determination to turn their current predicament around should not be underestimated. Put that determination up against Northampton's recent inability to build on first half advantages and this weekend's game is an intriguing prospect. Either way this seasons EDF distraction could be a vital turning point for both.           

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