Saints feature three Irishmen for Connacht clash

Irishmen Neil Best, Roger Wilson and John Downey will start for Northampton Saints against Connacht in the European Challenge Cup quarter-finals at Franklin Gardens on Saturday.

Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder respects Connacht: “It is a massive game for both clubs, particularly with a home semi-final up for grabs. This is why we have named a strong side for the match.

"We are treating Connacht with the same respect we have given every other opposition club this season. They have earned their right to be in the quarter final having come through a tough group and I am expecting a difficult afternoon," he said.

“Connacht have a tough, physical set of forwards who know how to produce good ball, and a collection of backs who know how to create opportunities. They have also beaten some of Europe’s biggest teams this season and if we take our focus off the task in hand then there is always the potential for us to be beaten".

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS (v Connacht): B Foden; P Diggin, J Ansbro, J Downey, B Reihana [capt]; S Myler, L Dickson; S Tongauiha, D Hartley, E Murray, I Fernandez Lobbe, J Kruger, N Best, J Gray, R Wilson

Replacements: B Sharman, T Smith, C Lawes, M Easter, A Dickens, B Everitt, C Mayor.