NORTHAMPTON

Director of Rugby: Chris Boyd Co-captains: Dylan Hartley/Alex Waller Ground: Franklin’s Gardens Capacity: 15,249

Northampton plumbed the depths last season, leading to the mid-term sacking of Jim Mallinder after over a decade as coach at Franklin’s Gardens. The Saints squad left Mallinder in the lurch with a series of displays that highlighted a lack of leadership, direction and discipline on the pitch. Nowhere was this more evident than in a pack in which a sizeable international contingent, including captain Dylan Hartley, failed to punch its weight.

One of the few forwards who could hold his head up was all-action blindside Jamie Gibson, but even he was guilty when it came to the serial offending which saw Northampton concede more penalties (238) than any side in the Premiership.

The overhaul undertaken since then has seen the arrival of the former Hurricanes coach, Chris Boyd, and a number of keynote signings including Dan Biggar, James Haskell, Takele Naiyaravoro and Ben Franks.

Saints have been crying out for a fly-half who can steer them round the pitch, and Biggar has the credentials to do it. After the no-show last season the pack may as well throw in the towel for good if they cannot make the necessary improvements for Biggar to set a backline including the giant Naiyaravoro and exciting homegrown wing Tom Collins in motion.