Enter The Saints

Bath entertain Northampton Saints when Premiership action resumes on Friday evening. For most of the past decade Saints have been a bogey team for Bath, both away and at home, so the chance to play them in the 6 Nations period would normally be seen as a leveller. This week though both teams find themselves much depleted – both by international calls and by injury. Bath’s roll call of the wounded includes Auterac, Thomas, Attwood, Garvey, Banahan, Fruean, Watson and Brew in addition to those required by England and Wales for the weekend’s internationals.  The Franklin’s faithful will point to their own absences. The 6 Nations claims half their pack with Hartley, Lawes, Harrison, Wood and Picamoles all on duty plus their most potent back George North. With Clark, Pisi and Burrell under treatment, they are missing nine internationals. With so many stars missing, will this match lack the intensity and quality that fans expect?