Saints challenge the desperate Cherry & Whites

The Saints go marching into Kingsholm in the first of Saturday’s fixtures to challenge a woefully under-performing Gloucester outfit.

The Cherry & Whites became the latest victims of the impressive Newcastle Castle Falcons in Round 6, succumbing to a 22-10 defeat.

This will be the first time Northampton will see action in 2021 after their previous two fixtures were called off due to Covid-19. Their last actual game was in Round 4 when they managed victory – their first one of the season – over Worcester Warriors, 29-10.

The Saints could thus find themselves severely undercooked come kick-off, with a dismal record of match-practice in recent times. It does, of course, remain to be seen how quickly they adapt, but it is reasonable to suspect that they may struggle, given that they will be significantly less battle-hardened than their opponents.

Gloucester are stone-last on the log and will be ravenous for a victory on their home turf. Saints will have prepared themselves for the eventuality of a vigorous onslaught from George Skivington’s men.