Powergen Cup Team News
January 18, 2002

Northamprton Saints again turn to James Brooks as their scrum-half deputy for the injured Matt Dawson following his superb contribution against Heineken Cup opponents Cardiff last Saturday.

Dom Malone, another alternative to Dawson, misses out after failing a fitness test today on a hamstring injury.

"He is a special little player," said Northampton coach Wayne Smith. "James has got the confidence and character that all good players have.

"I didn't expect someone who has never played scrum-half at this level to play like he did last week, especially against Rob Howley, who is one of the world's best scrum-halves."

Saracens boss Francois Pienaar believes his team face a critical nine-day spell, given the importance of tomorrow's game and the European Shield quarter-final against Pontypridd on Sunday week.

"This is the business end of the season for us," Pienaar said. "These two games are definitely the most important for the club so far.

"Northampton are currently playing powerful and confident rugby, and we know that in cup rugby, there are no second chances."

Sunday's quarter-final action is at Headingley, where Leeds tackle cup holders Newcastle, and the Madejski Stadium in Reading, venue for London Irish's clash with Gloucester.

The Madejski Stadium will also host both semi-finals - on March 9 - in a repeat exercise from two years ago, which proved an outstanding success.

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