Fired-up Lobbe ready for Saints home debut
Fernando Ignacio Lobbe gets his first chance to play in front of the Franklin's Gardens supporters today and says he can't wait to get started.
Saints take on Super 14 side Western Force this afternoon hoping for a decent performance before the real action starts on Sunday September 7 against Worcester.
And new signing Lobbe is looking forward to helping the side demonstrate their quick new game in front of what should be a sizeable crowd at the Gardens.
"For the two weeks I've been training with them, I've been looking forward to a quick game so I'm really interested in that," said Lobbe, a close season capture from Sale.
"We all have good skills, and good speed on the ball so it's good, if we can put it on the ground, a nice quick team.
"I think it's a very competitive challenge in the Premiership.
"It's very tough but we are working really hard in pre-season so I'm looking forward to play some rugby now."
Lobbe will also get a chance to road test the new ELVs in the friendly, which come into effect for the forthcoming campaign.
Western Force already play under the new rules, and Lobbe says the Saints will be nailing down their good habits in pre-season to avoid letting themselves down when the real stuff gets under way.
"It's going to affect all the teams so we are looking forward and watching videos to try to not make a silly mistake and be penalised," he said.
"We have to adapt, we all know that, and we're all prepared to just concentrate and get on with it."
Bruce Reihana will captain the team, while No.8 Roger Wilson is in line for his first competitive action of the summer.
Force coach John Mitchell. who will be forced to make do without will be forced to make do without injury-hit quartet Scott Staniforth, Caleb Brown, Sam Wykes and James Dougall, said his side will face a strong test in Northampton.
"We're anticipating a full strength Northampton team to run out tomorrow, which will provide us with yet another good test for our young squad," he said.
"The brand of football we have played on this tour has been very positive. We've seen some young players come through and put their hand up to remain with the squad for the Super 14 season.
"We've also worked on developing the leadership of our senior players and they have responded well with the extra responsibility."
n Tickets are still available for the match against Australian Super 14 outfit Western Force.
Prices apply to all areas of the Franklin's Gardens stadium and are as follows – adults 15, concessions 12, juniors 8.
Saints squad to face Western Force – Backs: Joe Ansbro, Chris Ashton, Jon Clarke, Lee Dickson, Barry Everitt, Ben Foden, Sean Lamont, Nils Mordt, Bruce Reihana (capt), Carlos Spencer. Forwards: Neil Best, Christian Day, Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, Joe Gray, Scott Gray, Dylan Hartley, Ben Lewitt, Euan Murray, Alex Rae, Tom Smith, Soane Tonga'uiha, Roger Wilson.
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Tuesday 07 February 2012
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