Saints v Gloucester: Teams

Gloucester's title credentials will get a stern test on Saturday when they face a tricky trip to Franklin's Gardens to take on Northampton.

While the Cherry and Whites were busy sealing their place in the EDF Energy Cup final last weekend, their rivals stole a march on them in the battle to finish in the top four.

However, Dean Ryan's side still sit in fourth spot, just a point adrift of the three teams above them - Bath, Leicester and leaders Harlequins.

Northampton are also looking to finish the league campaign strongly with a seventh-placed finish still in their sights.

Strong team

Their hopes of cup glory came to an end last weekend at the hands of Cardiff Blues but director of rugby Jim Mallinder is still able to name a strong team.

"There may only be a few weeks left in the season but there is still plenty to play for," he said.

"We want to finish as high up the league as possible and with a possibility that seventh place could lead to Heineken Cup qualification wins are still crucial.

"In the last two weeks we have played well and come close to achieving two good results against tough opposition. Our challenge now is to turn those performances into a win over another good team."

Gloucester have made eight changes to their 22 which got the better of the Ospreys at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry last Saturday.

Simpson-Daniel out

James Simpson-Daniel damaged his right thigh muscle and centre Mike Tindall suffered a knee ligament injury in action against the Magners League outfit. Both are sidelined for this weekend.

Charlie Sharples takes over from the crocked Simpson-Daniel on the left wing and Mark Foster starts on the opposite flank in place of Iain Balshaw.

In the pack, Nick Wood returns to replace Alasdair Dickinson at loosehead prop, while Akapusi Qera comes into the back row, Andrew Hazell dropping to the bench.

Ryan Lamb retains the number 10 shirt, meaning former New Zealand international Carlos Spencer has to make do with a seat on the bench.

Northampton: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Paul Diggin, 13 Joe Ansbro, 12 James Downey, 11 Bruce Reihana (capt), 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Roger Wilson, 7 Scott Gray, 6 Neil Best, 5 Juandre Kruger, 4 Courtney Lawes, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Brett Sharman, 17 Tom Smith, 18 Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, 19 Mark Easter, 20 Alan Dickens, 21 Barry Everitt, 22 Chris Mayor.

Gloucester: 15 Olly Morgan, 14 Mark Foster, 13 Matthew Watkins, 12 Anthony Allen, 11 Charlie Sharples, 10 Ryan Lamb, 9 Rory Lawson, 8 Gareth Delve (capt), 7 Akapusi Qera, 6 Alasdair Strokosch, 5 Alex Brown, 4 Will James, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Olivier Azam, 1 Nick Wood.
Replacements: 16 Scott Lawson, 17 Carlos Nieto, 18 Marco Bortolami, 19 Andrew Hazell, 20 Gareth Cooper, 21 Carlos Spencer, 22 Olly Barkley.