Northampton Saints: 2016/17 Preview
- RugbyInsideLine
- Sep 6, 2016
- 3 min read
Last season was not a season in which Northampton fans will be shouting from their roofs. Having been Champions in 2013/14, to topping the league in 2014/15, missing out on the playoffs in 2015/16 was just not good enough... This will be a make or break season for the coaching staff of Northampton.
Saints were still severely lacking the presence of a big ball carrier after the loss of Samu Manoa to Toulon. Thus last year Jim Mallinder, Dorian West, Dusty Hare and co. set about seeking a new number 8 who can break through that gainline. They could not have possibly discovered a better fit, in the form of French giant; Louis Picamoles (pictured below).
Picamoles will arrive at Saints from France's greatest rugby team; Toulouse. He will add power to the Northampton pack which they were slightly lacking last season and also provide front foot ball for the Northampton backs who were notably lacklustre.
Northampton were also facing the loss of their Samoan international scrum half; Kahn Fotuali'i. Northampton did still have Lee Dickson and Tom Kessell to utilise at 9, however Kessell has yet to make the step up in becoming an Aviva Premiership scrum half after his move from Cornish Pirates. Northampton once again looked abroad (maybe helped by the new increase in salary cap) to sign a quality scrum half from the depths of South Africa by the name of Nic Groom. Groom arrives from the Stormers and is noted for his speed and Jim Mallinder also states that his left boot may come in handy, something that Saints have not had for a while.
The last major signing by Northampton over the summer was a late addition to the squad. It was known that Saints had been seeking to sign a centre and a lock and during the hype of the Olympics,, Northampton were taking notes on Argentinean 7s player, Juan Pablo Estelles. Estelles by all accounts could be very good manoeuvring of the market by Saints, with the player alleging to have strength, pace and of course also the fitness of playing 7s. Not only is he able to play in the centres but he is also to adapt to the wings. Having Estelles and James Wilson are very handy backs for a team like Saints to have, allowing a very versatile backline.
Other off season signings have included local English hookers Matt Beesley and Charlie Clare. Clare was on the bench for Saints in their 14-18 loss to Bath in their opening game. However other than that, we know little about them.
Lastly Northampton did take Georgian lock Nodar Cheishvili on for a trial basis, however he was released by the team just before their last pre-season friendly against Ulster.
It is going to be a make or break year for Jim Mallinder this season... With high demanding supporters in Northampton after recent successes in the Aviva Premiership, European Challenge Cup and the LV they will be seeking a return to form in the previous years, where they became known as the 'bridesmaid' team of the Premiership after always finishing second.
Big years ahead for the likes of Harry Mallinder, Howard Packman, Tom Collins, Jordan Onojaifie and Sam Olver to see if they can make an impression on the first XV. It will also be big years for the likes of Dylan Hartley, George North, Courtney Lawes, Kieran Brookes and Paul Hill who will all be seeking to impress the Lions Head Coach (announced tomorrow) in order to gain a place on the plane to New Zealand in June.
I reckon Saints if they find the form of previous years and their backline starts clicking again, then they can reach the heights of previous seasons. With very few changes being made to the squad, there is very little excuse for lack of cohesion, and thus if they do not make top 4, questions will begin to be asked.
As we started, make or break...
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