Burger Odendaal is poised to make his debut for the Saints this Saturday as he takes to the field against Sale Sharks, all set to unfold at a packed cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens with kick-off at 3:05 pm.
The summer addition, Odendaal, is lined up to replace Fraser Dingwall, who sustained an injury during the triumphant 31-29 victory against Gloucester the previous weekend.
Ollie Sleightholme, returning from a hip concern, is reclaiming his place on the wing, taking over from Tom Litchfield, who maneuvers to the bench.
Alex Waller, back from a neck issue, secures the starting spot at loosehead, displacing Ethan Waller.
The hooker position sees Sam Matavesi stepping in for Curtis Langdon, while Trevor Davison reclaims his role at tighthead after a period of rest.
Additionally, the second row encounters a change as Chunya Munga takes the field in place of Temo Mayanavanu.
In the back row, a tactical shift sees Courtney Lawes and Sam Graham offered a respite from the starting line-up, making way for Angus Scott-Young and Juarno Augustus.
The Saints have opted for a 6:2 split on the bench, displaying a strategic lineup to face the upcoming challenge.
Dingwall, George Hendy, Lewis Ludlam, Joel Matavesi, James Ramm, Tom Seabrook, and Robbie Smith are currently recovering from injuries, while Tom James remains sidelined, serving the second match of a three-game suspension.
On the other hand, the Sale Sharks, despite being without the injured England duo Bevan Rodd and Manu Tuilagi, still field a robust side, boasting the formidable presence of skillful players, including Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Ford.
Saints Lineup:
Furbank (c); Freeman, Odendaal, Hutchinson, Sleightholme; F Smith, Mitchell; A Waller, S Matavesi, Davison; Munga, Coles; Scott-Young, Pearson, Augustus.
Replacements:
Langdon, Haffar, Hill, Moon, Lawes, Graham, Braley, Litchfield.
Sale Sharks Lineup:
Carpenter; Roebuck, S James, R du Preez, Reed; Ford, Warr; Harrison, Cowan-Dickie, Schonert; Wiese, Hill; van Rhyn, Curry (c), JL du Preez.
Replacements:
Taylor, Onasanya, Opoku-Fordjour, Beaumont, Dugdale, Thomas, L James, Veainu.
