Red Bulls travel to Saints

Finally, the Gallagher prem is back! Saturday afternoon sees Newcastle Red Bulls travel to Northampton Saints. After the break, the run in starts here and Red Bulls are still in contention for a top eight finish and Champions Cup qualification.

Dickens departs

It was announced earlier this week that Alan Dickens has left Red Bulls. Allan's one of the good guys in the game, he's taken on a lot more at Red Bulls this season and seemed popular with the squad. I wish him all the best for the future.

Saints rotate

Phil Dowson has chosen not to call on those England players who are available this weekend and to use this weekend as their rest weekend. But Northampton are still a formidable outfit and their academy is one of the best in the country.

Up front, England squad man Emmanuel Iyogun is joined by ex Newcastle man Robbie Smith and Luke Green in the front row. Powerhouse Ed Prowse partners Chunya Munga in the second row. The back row is experienced with Tonm Lockett at blindside, Tom Pearson who could play international rugby at openside and ex Newcastle favourite Callum Chick captains Saints at number eight.

Archie McParland and Anthony Belleau combine to form an exciting looking halfback partnership. Tom Litchfield and Rory Hutchinson are in the centres. The back three are youngster James Pater and Aussie, James Ramm on the wings with George Furbank at fullback. Expect Furbank to act as an extra player maker.

The bench sees Curtis Langdon, Tom West and Cleopas Kundiona cover the front row. Aiden Ainsworth-Cave and Charlie Ulcoq could make their Gallagher Prem debuts covering the back five. Tom James, the talented Toby Thame and the dangerous Ollie Sleightholme complete the bench.

Free hit as Stephen Jones takes the reins

Red Bulls fans won't be expecting much from the trip to Franklins Gardens but given the strength of the Saints squad, there is an opportunity. The injury list remains consistent with eighteen players unavailable for selection including my player of the years so far, Oscar Usher.

Stephen Jones takes the reins, he's a high quality coach and is giving opportunities to a couple of youngsters.

Adam Brocklebank, George McGuigan and Richard Palframan start in the front row. There's a return from injury for Freddie Clarke in the second row alongside Adam Scott. Reuben Parsons continues to be backed as he continues his impressive rise at blindside alongside Tom Christie and Ollie Leatherbarrow in the back row.

Simon Benitez Cruz partners Brett Connon who makes his 150th appearance for Newcastle at halfback. Sammy Arnold will provide the go forward at inside centre with Alex Hearle adding the guile at outside centre. Oli Spencer is on the wing alongside Harrison Obatoyinbo and Elliott Obatoyinbo is at fullback.

The bench sees Ollie Fletcher, Murray McCallum and loan man Nicky Little drafted in from Hawick cover the front row. John Hawkins and Tom Gordon cover the back five. James Elliott, Rhys Beeckmans and Boeta Chamberlain cover the backs.

Red Bulls to go through the forwards

I think it would be unwise for Red Bulls to try and play Saints at their own game. The forwards are going to have to do a job for Red Bulls to get anything from this one. With Gloucester heading to Harlequins, any points that Red Bulls can take from this game would be a real bonus. Looking at Northampton, they have rested and playing territory and going to the corners could be where Red Bulls find success.

In saying that we saw how strong Northampton were in the Prem Cup game at Kingston Park so Red Bulls will have to be on it on Saturday afternoon.