At the end of twenty two rounds of action the Northampton Saints finished top of the tree and their statistics made for great reading; won 16, drawn 1 and lost 5 with 75 tries scored in total. However when it came down to it a ruthless Saracens’ performance denied them another shot at the title and that will have hurt.
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The domestic results show that the Saints enjoyed a strong campaign last year however it is fair to say that they did have a bit of a sticky patch in the middle including ‘that’ trip away against Clermont. However what will have pleased fans and those involved at the club the most is that the side powered through and delivered the victories regardless, a quality that all of the best sides have.
Wholesale changes aren’t required at the Northampton Saints instead just a few tweaks here and there. Jim Mallinder has signed strongly and their blueprint for the season will remain the same - powerful and intense forwards coupled with darting and dynamic backs. The man whose loss will be felt the most is Samu Manoa and personally I believe that it may take a little time to fill his very large boots however the Saints do have a wealth high quality back row forwards.
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In terms of key signings the development of Kieran Brookes is one that I’m looking forward the most as well as Paul Hill. Kieran’s rise to prominence last season was marked and under the tutelage of Dorian West I expect him to continue to flourish in the dark arts. Jamie Gibson is an industrious player and great signing from the Leicester Tigers where I believe he never truly settled and in the second row Michael Paterson’s development will sky rocket with Courtney Lawes and Victor Matfield to work with.
The Northampton Saints’ squad has a good blend of experience and youth, of course we all know their big names Lawes, Burrell, Myler, North, Hartley and co however last season we saw that they have others ready to step up. Last year's International windows and LV competition allowed key men to gain plenty of Premiership rugby experience and now the likes of Jamie Elliot, Tom Collins and the Waller brothers can't be deemed to be 'inexperienced'. Finally on an individual note it will be great to see Ben Foden back and firing on all four cylinders. Fodes is a man that makes rugby look effortless, his ability under the high ball is second to none and in attack he threatens constantly - the Aviva Premiership is a better place with him back in action.
In short the Northampton Saints are in rude health heading into the 2015/16 Aviva Premiership season. I’m sure that Lee Dickson will excel with the responsibility of being Club Captain and I expect that the new and improved Franklin’s Gardens will be rocking again this year.
Players In - JJ Hanrahan from Munster, Kieran Brookes from Newcastle Falcons, Jamie Gibson from Leicester Tigers, Michael Paterson from Sale Sharks, Tom Kessell from Cornish Pirates, Pat Howard from Stormers, Paul Hill from Yorkshire Carnegie, Sion Bennett from Scarlets & Victor Matfield from Bulls
Players Out -Salesi Ma'afu to Toulon, Samu Manoa to Toulon, Phil Dowson to Worcester Warriors, Dominic Waldouck to London Irish, Will Hooley to Exeter Chiefs, Alex Day to Cornish Pirates, Joel Hodgson to Yorkshire Carnegie, Tom Ryder to Yorkshire Carnegie, Cam Dolan to Cardiff Blues, Tom Mercey & Josh Skelcey (Released)
In short the Northampton Saints are in rude health heading into the 2015/16 Aviva Premiership season. I’m sure that Lee Dickson will excel with the responsibility of being Club Captain and I expect that the new and improved Franklin’s Gardens will be rocking again this year.
Players In - JJ Hanrahan from Munster, Kieran Brookes from Newcastle Falcons, Jamie Gibson from Leicester Tigers, Michael Paterson from Sale Sharks, Tom Kessell from Cornish Pirates, Pat Howard from Stormers, Paul Hill from Yorkshire Carnegie, Sion Bennett from Scarlets & Victor Matfield from Bulls
Players Out -Salesi Ma'afu to Toulon, Samu Manoa to Toulon, Phil Dowson to Worcester Warriors, Dominic Waldouck to London Irish, Will Hooley to Exeter Chiefs, Alex Day to Cornish Pirates, Joel Hodgson to Yorkshire Carnegie, Tom Ryder to Yorkshire Carnegie, Cam Dolan to Cardiff Blues, Tom Mercey & Josh Skelcey (Released)
