2019-20 European Rugby Champions Cup – Benetton vs Northampton Saints Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Benetton vs Northampton Saints taking place? Saturday 23rd November, 2019 – 13:00 (UK)
Where is Benetton vs Northampton Saints taking place? Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso
What is the expected weather for Benetton vs Northampton Saints? 13c rain
What television channel is Benetton vs Northampton Saints on? This match will be televised live on BT Sport
Where can I stream Benetton vs Northampton Saints? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app
Where can I get tickets for Benetton vs Northampton Saints? Official club websites will have ticket information about specific games. Tickets for the 2020 Finals in Marseilles can be obtained here
What was the score in the last meeting between Benetton and Northampton Saints? Northampton Saints 67-0 Benetton
THE TEAM NEWS
BENETTON
- Benetton were outclassed by Leinster in their opening Champions Cup fixture and somewhat flattered by a 33-19 scoreline there, and they now face another tough game as they host Northampton.
- The Italian side almost have a full squad to select from but their lack of genuine quality may prove to be the difference once again, though they will always be a difficult place to travel to for the UK and Irish sides.
Line-ups: Jayden Hayward, Ratuva Tavuyara, Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Benvenuti, Monty Ioane, Tommaso Allan (capt), Dewaldt Duvenage, Toa Halafihi, Abraham Steyn, Giovanni Pettinelli, Federico Ruzza, Irné Herbst, Marco Riccioni, Hame Faiva, Federico Zani.
Replacements: Michele Mancini Parri, Cherif Traore, Tiziano Pasquali, Niccolò Cannone, Eli Snyman, Marco Lazzaroni, Tito Tebaldi, Ian Keatley
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
- Northampton Saints proved too good for a gutsy Lyon outfit as they got their Champions Cup campaign off to a solid start, though they sit behind Leinster in second as the Irish side picked up a bonus point.
- Saints could be without England international Piers Francis after the centre had to be taken off last week because of a shoulder injury and Matt Proctor comes in to join Rory Hutchinson in midfield.
Line-ups: Ahsee Tuala, Ollie Sleightholme, Matt Proctor, Rory Hutchinson, Tom Collins, Dan Biggar, Cobus Reinach, Francois van Wyk, Mikey Haywood, Owen Franks, Alex Moon, Api Ratuniyarawa, Jamie Gibson, Lewis Ludlam, Teimana Harrison (capt).
Replacements: Michael Van Vuuren, Alex Waller, Paul Hill, Lewis Bean, Mitch Eadie, James Mitchell, Fraser Dingwall, George Furbank.
THE PREDICTION
Northampton Saints made it four wins from their last five games in all competitions with victory over Lyon last week and the English side will be confident of improving that run. They head to Italy to face Benetton and with a lack of quality in the Italian side, Saints are likely to win by a converted try or more.
