Saints vs Quins Preview

Tomorrow is the Saints vs Quins.  Jerry Guscott has us as winning by more than 7 points.  But that is what they expected last year.  And, to be brutal about it, the Quins hammered us.

We don't have a particularly good record at The Stoop.  In fact we haven't won a league match there in three years.  Will this team do it:

15 Ben Foden

14 Chris Ashton
13 Jon Clarke
12 James Downey
11 Bruce Reihana
10 Shane Geraghty
9 Lee Dickson
1 Soane Tonga'uiha
2 Dylan Hartley (capt)
3 Brian Mujati
4 Courtney Lawes
5 Christian Day
6 Phil Dowson
7 Tom Wood
8 Roger Wilson

Replacements
16 Brett Sharman
17 Regardt Dreyer
18 Euan Murray
19 Calum Clark
20 Mark Easter
21 Stuart Commins
22 Stephen Myler
23 Joe Ansbro

There might be some question over Smyler not starting but being on the bench.  Based purely on last weeks match this might be a harsh decision.  But the last time I saw Smyler kick as badly as he did on Sunday was at this match last year.  To put him on as first choice would place an incredible weight on his shoulders, two bogeys to bare.  So on the bench to come on later makes a lot of sense.  And maybe this is the kind of match made for TinTin - confuse the opposition, don't let them predict what will happen.

Looking at the bench as a whole we appear light on backs.  Certainly Joe is flexible and can do the job at both centre and wing.  But what do we do if we get an injury.  Maybe Jim is thinking he can put Tiny out on the wing if necessary :-)