The 4th official has come onto the pitch to and said something to the teams. Bath have now left the field as it appears we are waiting for Luke Pearce to get stitched up
I've never seen this before! The 4th official is warming up on the touchline!
Eastmond and Banahan look to work the blind side! James then smashes into the ref who gets up with a massive gash over his eye!
Ford gets under way. Great to see both sides in their traditional kits!
The game isn't on TV so stay tuned here for live updates!
Hello and welcome to Ultimate Rugby's coverage of round 11 in the Aviva Premiership. This afternoon two of the league's serious title contenders do battle at Franklin's Gardens. The Saints welcome back three stalwarts to their starting XV. Hartley and Lawes form part of what is a powerful tight 5 while George Pisi returns from suspension to reclaim the 13 jersey. Bath, meanwhile, have made just one change from the side that beat Quinns last weekend. That change comes in the form of Roberts who reforms his partnership with Ford.
Both sides are experiencing great runs of form. Northampton are unbeaten in 5 in the Premiership while Bath are on a run of 11 straight wins which is their best run in over a decade.
A win of the visitors could see them leapfrog their hosts into 2nd place so needless to say everything is to play for this afternoon!
KO to come in 20 minutes.
A home win but not by a lot!
I agree with will COYB!!!!!
Northampton 26 - 23 Bath
Northampton 12-17 Bath