Saints’ blow as Hartley fails to make it

AMLIN CHALLENGE CUP FINAL:

Hartley has been out for six weeks with a shoulder injury and it is increasingly unlikely he will play a role in England’s tour to New Zealand.

George Ford has been named at fly-half by Bath in what is shaping up to be his final match of the campaign after it emerged on Wednesday that he requires shoulder surgery.

Bath narrowly missed out on securing a place in the Aviva Premiership play-offs after losing to Harlequins two weeks ago and Ford is determined that they conclude a fine season with some meaningful reward. “We had a few extras days to prepare as we weren’t in the Premiership semis, that allowed us look at things in greater detail,” Ford said. “We’ve trained well and we’ll give it our best shot in Cardiff.”

Bath openside Francois Louw makes his first appearance since an ankle injury in March. “These are the kind of games a player lives for,” Louw said.

Northampton prop Alex Corbisiero makes his first start since a knee problem last autumn in one of five changes.

BATH: N Abendanon; S Rokoduguni, J Joseph, O Devoto, A Watson; G Ford, M Young; P James, T Dunn, D Wilson, S Hooper (capt), D Attwood, C Fearns, F Louw, L Houston.

Replacements: E Guinazu, N Catt, A Perenise, D Day, G Mercer, P Stringer, G Henson, H Agulla.

NORTHAMPTON: B Foden; K Pisi, G Pisi, L Burrell, G North; S Myler, L Dickson; A Corbisiero, M Haywood, T Mercey, S Manoa, C Lawes, C Clark, T Wood (capt), S Dickinson.

Replacements: R McMillan, A Waller, G Denman, C Day, P Dowson, K Fotuali’i, J Wilson, T Stephenson.

Referee: Jerome Garces (France).