Friday 12 September 2014 17:59, UK
Northampton have named an unchanged side to take on Wasps at Adams Park in one of two Aviva Premiership games taking place on Sunday.
The Saints made the perfect start to their title defence in the opening round, crushing Gloucester 53-6 at Franklin’s Gardens that saw them run in eight tries, winger George North getting three of them.
Northampton started their campaign very well last weekend and they showed exactly what they can do if their opposition are not on the money.
The Wales international starts in a back three that also includes James Wilson and Ken Pisi, meaning Ben Foden has to make do with a seat on the bench.
Northampton have won their last ten encounters with their next opponents in all tournaments, with Wasps last victory coming in league action back in October 2009.
Director of rugby Dai Young acknowledges the home side cannot afford to be below par, particularly after they suffered a dramatic loss to capital rivals Saracens last Saturday.
"After a tough opening game last weekend, the squad have reacted well in training this week,” he said.
"Northampton started their campaign very well last weekend and they showed exactly what they can do if their opposition are not on the money.”
Christian Wade scored two tries in the 34-28 reverse at Twickenham, but the winger has not been risked by Young after being involved in a car accident during the week. His place in the back line goes to Tom Varndell, while the other Wasps change sees Andrea Masi start at full-back.
Two sides who both suffered opening defeats meet on the same day at Kingston Park, as Newcastle host London Irish.
The Falcons lost 36-17 at Leicester but boss Dean Richards has not made wholesale changes for their first home game, instead naming three alterations to his line-up.
Eric Fry, Scott Lawson and Mark Wilson all come into the side in place of the injured duo Rob Vickers and George McGuigan, as well as Richard Mayhew.
London Irish, meanwhile, will be looking for their first try of the season after five Shane Geraghty penalties proved enough to gain them a losing bonus point against Harlequins at Twickenham.
Geraghty this week moves into the centres to allow Chris Noakes and Scott Steele to form a new half-back pairing. Andrew Fenby and Alex Lewington are also drafted in to the back division.
The hosts will certainly welcome the sight of the Exiles this weekend - Newcastle have now been beaten in their last 17 Premiership matches since they won this equivalent fixture in round six last season.
