Rugby: Saints coach's shake-up pledge

Northampton coach Wayne Smith has threatened changes for his side’s Powergen Cup semi-final against Newcastle on Saturday.

The former All Blacks coach is still trying to get to know his squad after taking charge of the ailing Franklin’s Gardens club in November.

Owner Keith Barwell has already confirmed there will be departures in an effort to end the inconsistencies which have blighted the club since their 2000 Heineken Cup triumph. And Smith was not impressed by the performance of his team in the 18-9 defeat by Leicester in their last league outing two weeks ago.

‘‘I have an injury free squad but that doesn’t mean there won’t be changes,’’ said Smith.

‘‘I have already said that the consequences of poor performances is that some people will not make the team.

‘‘That will be the case this week because I have a responsibility to the club. Everyone needs to receive that signal.’’

French lock Olivier Brouzet is almost certain to start in place of John Phillips after his efforts for France against England last week.

However, the ’surprises’ are likely to surround who is being left out, with former Scotland skipper John Leslie at risk from young centre Mark Tucker, and the entire international front-row of Tom Smith, Steve Thompson and Mattie Stewart all sweating on their places after a poor collective performance against the Tigers.

Smith will confirm his line-up within the next 24 hours as Northampton seek to eliminate the cup holders. The Saints are expecting a capacity 11,700 crowd for the game, with just a few tickets still on sale.