Henry Pollock one of six changes as Northampton lick wounds after Tigers mauling

Northampton have rung the changes as they look to bounce back from last week’s 41–17 mauling by Leicester Tigers, with Henry Pollock among six alterations for Friday night’s Gallagher PREM Round 16 clash against Bristol Bears.

Despite the heavy defeat at Welford Road, Saints remain firmly in control at the top of the standings and can secure their place in the play-off semi-finals with a win under the lights at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.

Phil Dowson’s side also carry formidable home form into the fixture, having gone more than 12 months unbeaten in league action at the Gardens. They sit four points clear at the summit heading into the weekend.

Recent history between the sides points to home advantage, with each of the last four meetings in the PREM going the way of the hosts. However, Bristol were emphatic winners when the teams met earlier this season, running out 46–12 victors at Ashton Gate.

Dowson has responded to the Tigers loss by reshuffling his pack and midfield, handing starts to Elliot Millar Mills, Alex Coles, Ed Prowse, Pollock, Archie McParland and Tom Litchfield.

Fixture

Gallagher Premiership

Northampton

11:45

15 May 26

Bristol

All Stats and Data

Scotland prop Millar Mills comes into the front row at tighthead, joining Emmanuel Iyogun and fellow Scotland international Robbie Smith.

Behind them, Coles returns from injury to partner Prowse in a new-look engine room, while Pollock is promoted into the back row at openside flanker alongside Josh Kemeny and No.8 Callum Chick.

At half-back, McParland makes his 13th start of the campaign, linking with Fin Smith, who continues after being named both the league and club’s Player of the Month for April earlier this week.

There is continuity in the back three, where George Hendy and Tommy Freeman retain their spots on the wings after both crossed against Tigers. George Furbank captains the side from fullback once again.

In midfield, Litchfield is handed a start at outside centre. He joins Rory Hutchinson in the Saints’ 12–13 axis.

Dowson has opted for a six-two split on the bench.

Italy international Danilo Fischetti and South Africa’s JJ van der Mescht are among the forward reinforcements, while Tom Pearson is set to return from injury.

England internationals Alex Mitchell and Fraser Dingwall provide the backline cover.

Northampton Saints: 15 George Furbank (c), 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Tom Litchfield, 12 Rory Hutchinson, 11 George Hendy, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Archie McParland, 1 Emmanuel Iyogun, 2 Robbie Smith, 3 Elliot Millar Mills, 4 Alex Coles, 5 Ed Prowse, 6 Josh Kemeny, 7 Henry Pollock, 8 Callum Chick

Replacements: 16 Henry Walker, 17 Danilo Fischetti, 18 Luke Green, 19 JJ Van Der Mescht, 20 Tom Pearson, 21 Sam Graham, 22 Alex Mitchell, 23 Fraser Dingwall