2020-21 Premiership Rugby – Northampton Saints vs Bath Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Northampton Saints vs Bath taking place? Sunday 28th February, 2021 – 13:00 (UK)
Where is Northampton Saints vs Bath taking place? Franklin's Gardens, Northampton
Where can I get tickets for Northampton Saints vs Bath? Check official club websites for information about purchasing tickets
What television channel is Northampton Saints vs Bath on? BT Sport have the rights to televise Gallagher Premiership matches so it is worth checking their schedule
Where can I stream Northampton Saints vs Bath? If televised on BT Sport, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app
THE TEAM NEWS
Northampton Saints: 15 Tommy Freeman, 14 Matt Proctor, 13 Rory Hutchinson, 12 Piers Francis, 11 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 10 George Furbank, 9 Tom James, 8 Tom Wood, 7 Lewis Ludlam (c), 6 Nick Isiekwe, 5 Api Ratuniyarawa, 4 David Ribbans, 3 Ehren Painter, 2 Sam Matavesi, 1 Nick Auterac
Replacements: 16 Reece Marshall, 17 Alex Waller, 18 Paul Hill, 19 Alex Moon, 20 Alex Coles, 21 Henry Taylor, 22 Harry Mallinder, 23 Ollie Sleightholme
Bath: 15 Tian Schoeman, 14 Semesa Rokoduguni, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Josh Matavesi, 11 Will Muir, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Will Chudley, 8 Zach Mercer, 7 Miles Reid, 6 Josh Bayliss (c), 5 Elliott Stoke, 4 Tom Ellis, 3 Christian Judge, 2 Jack Walker, 1 Juan Schoeman
Replacements: 16 Tom Dunn, 17 Jamie Bhatti, 18 Henry Thomas, 19 Ewan Richards, 20 Ethan Staddon, 21 Ben Spencer, 22 Max Clark, 23 Ruaridh McConnochie
THE PREDICTION
Northampton Saints are on a four-match winning streak in terms of results after they fantastically beat Exeter Chiefs 12-13 away from home last Saturday but they have realistically not lost a match since December 19th to Leinster in the Champions Cup. With a default loss to Leicester Tigers due to covid-19 cases their only “loss” over that span, the team will feel like their streak is actually six in terms of points, with two of those vivid-related default wins over London Irish last month and Newcastle Falcons earlier this. All that confusion has resulted in a current fourth place for the Saints and a real sense that they can push for an unexpected title challenge here after they beat the reigning champions last time out. They host a Bath side who, like Wasps, are struggling for their best form and who only just edged past Gloucester last weekend in a 16-14 win at home. Departing internationals will play a factor in this match’s quality but the hosts can continue their good form against struggling Bath to cover -5 here.
