Heineken Cup 3^rd round

Preview Northampton vs. Leinster, December 6^th, Franklins Gardens K.O. 18.00

This game has the look of a match to savour, the rematch of the unforgettable 2011 Heineken cup final the chances of a repeat of such a classic game one would expect to be slight yet both teams are playing well at the same time and victory on Saturday night would see the winner in pole position in one of the competition’s toughest pools. Northampton on a run of seven consecutive victories will be relishing the prospect of this game; equally Leinster will not be duly concerned at visiting the Gardens. Their victory at the Liberty stadium at the start of the campaign just one of many tough away games the Dublin province has found a way to win. Leinster has a good game plan, and will be almost at full strength. Northampton have been hurt by injuries to Foden, Wilson and Corbiesero and this could lead to coach Jim Mallinder having to consider a more pragmatic approach.

At their considerable best both sides can play with breath-taking power and panache but on Saturday evening it will be about which side takes their chances, as there will only be a few opportunities. The collisions will be huge, the battle at the breakdown not one for the faint hearted and it will be certainly be played at a ferocious pace, that will test the conditioning both physical and mental of both teams. Leinster has the pedigree, the record that shows that they win more tight games than they lose. Northampton has to take that step up, last season’s loss at Twickenham could be the springboard needed here, to show that as a team the Saints have learnt what is needed to win when your opponents are as determined and capable as you. Both sides have similar no.10’s, Myler and Gopperth both can play in heavy traffic, kick from hand well, distribute well and place kick accurately, and there can be no doubt that penalties could decide this match. It will be bound to be close, tense and potentially tetchy.

Danger man Northampton- Samu Manoa

The Saints possess such a quality squad that to select one player is a difficult task. They have the at their disposal; the mercurial in form George North, the totemic bad boy Dylan Hartley, the tree feller Cortney from the ball is Samu Manoa. He might hail from the laid back West coast of California but he is steeped in the skills and attitude of his Polynesian roots. Manoa has ridiculously quick feet for such a big man, he covers the ground with real pace and this coupled with wonderfully soft hands and a sledgehammer of a hand off. Manoa will cast a considerable shadow over the game and if Leinster fail to shackle him then they could be in for a long bruising evening.

Danger man Leinster – Sean O’Brien

Leinster are very close to being a complete side, they can attack and defend with deadly accuracy. As Northampton their squad has strength in depth, they have the pacey Carney brothers, the tactical nous of Darcy and O’Drisscoll, the belligerence of Healy and Heaslip and the pace of Springbok Kurchener. But at the core of their effort will be the human wrecking ball that is Sean O’Brien. With his Popeye forearms, massive thighs and barrel chest O’Brien will characteristically show little regard for his own personal safety and will be involved from the first whistle. He always displays relentless fortitude and will smash into the opposition until he has completely emptied the tank. It will take all of the Saints’ guile and courage to stop him but, if they don’t the game will be Leinster’s.

Prediction

Very hard to call, both sides present a compelling chance to be able to win but on Saturday I take Northampton to win by 3 or less.