Northampton’s brilliant comeback win over Gloucester marred by Mitchell injury

George Hendy dives over the whitewash as Northampton staged a brilliant comeback against Gloucester - David Rogers/Getty ImagesEngland were dealt a fresh blow ahead of their Nations Championship opener with Australia after scrum-half Alex Mitchell was forced off early in Northampton’s victory over Gloucester. Mitchell left the field gingerly 20 minutes into the action after picking up a suspected hamstring injury following an innocuous coming-together with Gloucester winger Will Joseph.The Saints scrum-half has suffered a series of hamstring issues this year – this would be a fourth time he has picked up a problem – and he looked visibly disappointed as he limped off.He suffered a left leg hamstring tear during England’s Six Nations defeat to Ireland which left him sidelined for two months and, in a cruel twist of fate, sustained another on his right leg during an England three-day training camp in Bagshot last May. He suffered the injury for a third time in England’s 73-8 rout of Fiji in July.With Mitchell’s club-mate, Archie McParland, nursing an unspecified knock that forced him to miss Saints’ high-stakes clash with Gloucester, Jack van Poortvliet is likely to start at nine against the Wallabies next Sunday. McParland was the third-choice scrum-half in England’s Nations Championship squad, but Steve Borthwick may be forced to look elsewhere if Mitchell’s prognosis is serious.England are already sweating on the fitness of Fin Smith, who sat out Northampton’s win because of a calf problem, while their stocks at hooker are also depleted after Bath’s Kepu Tuipulotu picked up a knee injury earlier this week.Without their reliable half-back partnership, Saints initially struggled to assert themselves over high-flying Gloucester, but they then scored 28 unanswered points in a laboured victory.Confidence has been coursing through the Cherry and Whites this season and it was no surprise when George Skivington’s charges struck first. A scrum penalty saw them kick to the corner and after Caolan Englefield redirected a rudderless maul, George Barton pirouetted to find Max Llewellyn on his shoulder to coast over the whitewash. The hosts’ problems only grew with the premature departure of Mitchell. The England scrum-half tripped over Joseph after the Gloucester winger dived on a loose ball and immediately signalled to the bench that he could not continue.A Jack Clement turnover deep in the red zone was enough for the Cherry and Whites to double their lead – Seb Atkinson combining superbly with Joseph for the winger to score. The jury is still out over what England’s starting midfield partnership should be next week, but Atkinson pressed his case magnificently. He popped a blind offload to Joseph, Gloucester’s in-form man, who forced his way through at pace to touch down.Joseph comes from nowhere!😱He reverses over the try line to put Gloucester further ahead ➡️ https://t.co/eRQuwNhPZG— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) October 31, 2026With a real battle on their hands against the Prem’s form horses, Saints, as champion sides do, rallied during the final five minutes of the first half with two smash-and-grab scores. Tom Pearson rumbled over minutes before the break before Curtis Langdon crashed over from a line-out maul minutes later, with Anthony Belleau’s conversion making it all square at the break.Saints came out all guns blazing after the break and showed greater consistency, despite searching in vain at times for the end product. A mazy run from teenager James Pater started a promising foray into Gloucester’s 22, but after stringing 10 phases together Joseph, who was full of energy for the visitors, was on hand to gobble up Jonny Weimann’s loose pass. Despite their inaccuracies, Saints persevered and wrestled back momentum when George Hendy finished in the corner shortly after the hour mark following a looping pass from Belleau. The hosts continued to turn up the heat and Rory Hutchinson showcased some fine footwork to score the fourth try, which secured the bonus point and their status as comeback kings. Hendy heads to the corner 🔥Saints with their noses in front ➡️ https://t.co/bXGz5fAuNe— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) October 31, 2026Match details Northampton J Pater; O Sleightholme (R Hutchinson 58), T Freeman, F Dingwall, G Hendy; A Belleau, A Mitchell (J Weimann 20); E Iyogun (D Fischetti 55), C Langdon (R Smith 55), C Kundiona (I Neculai 55), A Coles (T Lockett 78), E Prowse ( JJ Van Der Mescht 63) J Kemeny, T Pearson (H Pollock 67), C Chick. Gloucester G Barton; W Joseph, M Llewellyn, S Atkinson, W Knight (B Redshaw 69); C Atkinson, C Englfield (D Robson 63); V Rapava Ruskin (D Bleuler 52), S Blake (D Lake 21), A Fasogbon (C Knight 52), J Kleyn (W Trenholm 63), A Clark, F Thomas, D Gwynne (J Morgan 53), J Clement (L Ludlow 75).Referee Sara Cox. 07:30pmThis round of fixturesFriday:Bristol 16 Leicester 22Today:Exeter 28 Harlequins 31Saracens 39 Newcastle 31Bath 36 Sale 28Northampton 28 Gloucester 1407:28pmMan of the match Tom Pearson“That is exactly what we wanted. It was very disappointing last week [against Leicester]. We take a lot of pride in a derby game so the way it unfolded was not what we wanted at all. Good to right the wrongs this week. Gloucester were top of the table for a reason. They are more than allowed to do good things as well. They brought it the first 40 minute but we went up a level or two and managed to get the win. Good to have a reaction like that. “Our discipline last week was horrendous and we conceded unacceptable penalties. We were better this week and kept hold of the ball better. We have had some tough away days and our away form has not been great. Our home form has been good.”07:23pmFull timeRedshaw kicks ahead into the Northampton 22, forcing Freeman to race back. Northampton then boot the ball out of play to bring this game to an end. At one point, Northampton trailed by 14 points but the defending champions have roared back with 28 unanswered points to claim a 28-14 win over Gloucester. The Gallagher Prem now takes a break during the Autumn internationals.07:20pm79 mins: Northampton 28 Gloucester 14Redshaw is bundled into touch by Freeman as we tick into the final minute.07:18pm78 mins: Northampton 28 Gloucester 14With just two minutes to go, Gloucester have a scrum on halfway. A converted try would give Gloucester a losing bonus point.07:16pm76 mins: Northampton 28 Gloucester 14Gloucester are penalised for collapsing the scrum on their 10-metre line and Belleau puts it into the 22. Gloucester are running out of time to take anything from this game. The lineout from Smith is overthrown and the attack is ended.07:12pm72 mins: Northampton 28 Gloucester 14Northampton disrupt the lineout and steal possession before clearing.07:11pm71 mins: Northampton 28 Gloucester 14Gloucester are awarded a penalty at a breakdown on halfway and time is running out for the visitors as Barton kicks towards the Northampton 22.07:06pm67 mins: Northampton 28 Gloucester 14A big cheer rings around Franklin’s Gardens as Pollock enters the fray, replacing Pearson.07:05pmVideo • TriesTRY! Hutchinson secures Northampton’s bonus pointCould that be the score that secures victory for the home side? Hutchinson somehow manages to finds his way to the line despite a number of Gloucester defenders trying to prevent him from getting there. Northampton have their bonus-point try, which Belleau converts.Hutchinson catches the defenders unawares 🔥 https://t.co/xaqvCXdLIk— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) October 31, 202607:03pm65 mins: Northampton 21 Gloucester 14Northampton take a quick tap from a penalty just outside their own 22 and Freeman races away. He offloads to Dingwall, who races clear all the way into the Gloucester 22. Northampton are then awarded a penalty as Clark is caught offside whilst retreating. It then kicks off and a melee ensues. The officials are going to the TMO to check whether it should be more than a penalty. They are going to stick with a penalty as there were covering defenders. Belleau puts it into the corner as Northampton look to extend their lead and secure the try bonus point.06:59pmKey moments • TriesTRY! Hendy over in the cornerFor the first time tonight, Northampton lead. Hendy is in acres of space on the left wing and is calling for it out wide. Eventually, the ball comes as Belleau loops a long pass out to Hendy, who does the rest in the corner. Belleau nails the conversion and Northampton lead by seven points.Despite trailing for much of the game so far, the home side are now in front - Getty Images/David Rogers06:59pm62 mins: Northampton 14 Gloucester 14Northampton are deep inside the Gloucester 22 and win a penalty five metres out as the visitors are caught offside. Northampton then take the quick tap...06:57pm61 mins: Northampton 14 Gloucester 14Northampton do not make much ground in possession inside the Gloucester half but are awarded a penalty for a high tackle. The penalty is in the centre of the pitch around 35 metres out so will Northampton make the pragmatic decision of going for goal. But the hosts turn down the chance of three to instead go towards the corner.06:54pm59 mins: Northampton 14 Gloucester 14Northampton make a change in the backs as Hutchinson replaces Sleightholme. That will likely see Freeman shift out onto the wing with Hutchinson coming on into the centres.Have Gloucester got away with a deliberate knock-on? It appears for a moment like they will but eventually the TMO steps in whilst slow-motion replays are being shown of a deliberate knock-on from Kleyn. Northampton are awarded a penalty as a result.06:52pm58 mins: Northampton 14 Gloucester 14We are still yet to see any points scored since the break and the longer that goes on the more tense this game will become as we head towards the final quarter of the game.06:44pm53 mins: Northampton 14 Gloucester 14Gloucester have a number of good options on the bench and one of them is Morgan as the Welshman enters the fray. Gloucester also change their props as Bleuler and Knight come on.06:43pm52 mins: Northampton 14 Gloucester 14Northampton go through more than 10 phases in possession and are deep inside the Gloucester 22 but the attack is ended by an intercept from Joseph, who read the pass from Weimann well.06:40pm49 mins: Northampton 14 Gloucester 14Northampton head coach Sam Vesty has confirmed to TNT Sports that Alex Mitchell went off with a hamstring injury but they do not yet know the severity of it.06:39pm48 mins: Northampton 14 Gloucester 14That was all very sloppy from Gloucester. The lineout routine is not perfect, which means that Gloucester end up going backwards. S Atkinson is then hit hard backwards in a tackle before moments later Kleyn knocks on. Should Gloucester have gone for three to retake the lead? Easy to say with hindsight!06:38pm46 mins: Northampton 14 Gloucester 14After Northampton knock on at a Gloucester lineout just outside the Northampton 22, Gloucester are then awarded a scrum penalty. During a reset before the penalty was awarded, referee Sara Cox told the forwards “that was really awful banter, lads!” as both sides were trying to argue for a penalty.Instead of going for three, Barton puts it into the corner.06:31pmSecond halfWe are back under way at Franklin’s Gardens, with this game finely poised at 14-14. All to play for in this second half.06:25pmThis round of fixturesFriday:Bristol 16 Leicester 22Today:Exeter 28 Harlequins 31Saracens 39 Newcastle 31Bath 36 Sale 28Northampton 14 Gloucester 14 HT06:16pmHalf-timeThat is the final act of the first half and, at the break, we are all square at 14-14.06:15pmTries • Key momentsTRY! Langdon rolls over for NorthamptonFor much of this first half, Northampton have been nowhere near their best but they are set to go into half-time level. They win the lineout around five metres out and Gloucester can do nothing to prevent the Northampton maul from rolling to the line, where Langdon dots down at the back. Belleau gets the extras.06:14pm40 mins: Northampton 7 Gloucester 14From a scrum inside the Gloucester 22, Northampton win a penalty with the clock in the red. Two young England props in Fasogbon and Iyogun then come to blows. Instead of taking the easy three, Northampton go to the corner.06:12pm39 mins: Northampton 7 Gloucester 14The momentum has begun to shift as Northampton win a penalty inside the Gloucester half as the visitors are caught offside. The kick goes into the Gloucester 22 as we tick into the final minute.06:08pmTries • VideoTRY! Pearson gets Northampton on the boardThe home side desperately needed that. They have barely threatened the Gloucester line at all tonight but they cut into Gloucester’s lead. With a penalty advantage in hand, Langdon went down to ground at the maul before offloading up to Pearson, who finds his way to the line. Belleau nails the conversion and the deficit is down to seven.Pearson strikes 💥Northampton Saints are back in it! https://t.co/PxEcz1SKJX— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) October 31, 202606:08pm35 mins: Northampton 0 Gloucester 14Northampton make their first entry ball-in-hand into the Gloucester 22 before knocking on but we go back for a penalty because of a high tackle from Kleyn on Iyogun. The penalty is on the Gloucester 10-metre line and the kick into the corner is superb, giving Northampton a lineout five metres out from the Gloucester line.06:03pmKey moments • Tries • VideoTRY! Joseph extends Gloucester’s leadThe visitors have their second try of the game with the home fans unimpressed, especially with the officials. It is another first-phase try for Gloucester as Joseph runs onto S Atkinson’s pass out the back. Joseph hands off Hendy and goes over under the posts. In all honesty, the tackle should have been made. The easy conversion is successful and Gloucester now lead by 14.Joseph comes from nowhere!😱He reverses over the try line to put Gloucester further ahead ➡️ https://t.co/eRQuwNhPZG— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) October 31, 202606:02pm29 mins: Northampton 0 Gloucester 7That is a coach killer. Having won the scrum, Dingwall is then penalised for holding on moments later and Gloucester have a penalty 10 metres out from the Northampton line. The home fans are unimpressed as they felt they should have been awarded the penalty instead of Clement and Gloucester being rewarded.Gloucester this time opt for the scrum.05:59pm27 mins: Northampton 0 Gloucester 7That feels like a pivotal stop from Northampton. The maul goes down, this time legally, and the ball does not come out so Northampton will have the scrum.05:59pm26 mins: Northampton 0 Gloucester 7Another penalty goes the way of Gloucester five metres out from the Northampton line as the hosts are punished for bringing the maul down illegally. Barton puts it back in the corner but I am a little surprised that Gloucester did not opt for the scrum.05:57pm25 mins: Northampton 0 Gloucester 7Gloucester are in possession inside the Northampton 22 and are awarded a penalty as the Northampton tacklers fail to roll away at the breakdown. Barton puts it into the corner and Gloucester can sniff a second try of the night.05:56pm24 mins: Northampton 0 Gloucester 7This has been a sloppy game from Northampton thus far, with the latest example being Pater kicking out on the full outside his own 22. That was a real unforced error and the hosts have not really got going.05:54pm21 mins: Northampton 0 Gloucester 7Now Gloucester are being forced into a change as Lake replaces Blake in an HIA replacement. Blake appeared to be struggling a few minutes ago and is now removed.05:52pmKey moments • Analysis20 mins: Northampton 0 Gloucester 7This is worrying for both Northampton and England. Just 20 minutes into the final game before the Autumn internationals, Mitchell is being forced off and his evening is over. He is replaced by Weimann, with Archie McParland unavailable tonight. Steve Borthwick will be a worried man right now, with Mitchell going off injured and Fin Smith already injured before today.How serious could this injury be for Alex Mitchell? - Getty Images/David RogersA worrying sight for England as scrum-half Alex Mitchell leaves the field. The Saints man fell awkwardly and signalled to the bench straight away that he needed medical attention - it looks like it might be a hamstring issue. With Archie McParland already missing through injury, Jonny Weimann comes onto the pitch.05:49pmAnalysis18 mins: Northampton 0 Gloucester 7Northampton’s attack has not clicked yet and their latest move is ended just shy of the Gloucester 22 as Rapava-Ruskin wins the visitors a penalty at the breakdown.Gloucester have a spring in their step after striking first and their strike runners out wide have probed the hosts so effectively so far. Barton, Llewellyn, and Joseph all look up for it and have been asking all sorts of questions of Saints’ defence. The home side just haven’t been able to find their groove yet. 05:45pm15 mins: Northampton 0 Gloucester 7That is superb defensive work from Hendy. Barton puts a clever grubber kick in behind the Northampton defensive line and Joseph looks like the favourite to get on the end of it but Hendy manages to slide across to retrieve it just five metres out from his own line before Northampton clear.05:43pm12 mins: Northampton 0 Gloucester 7Llewellyn already has one try to his name and his confidence is high. Just inside the Northampton half, he receives a pass inside from Knight on the left wing before chipping ahead as he heads towards the Northampton 22. His kick though ends up going into touch but it would have been interesting had it stayed in play.05:38pmKey moments • Tries • VideoTRY! Llewellyn strikes for GloucesterThe visitors get the first try of the evening. Initially, Northampton do a good job of repelling the maul but Gloucester reap the rewards of sending the ball into the hands of the backs. It is a first-phase try as S Atkinson puts Barton through a gap with a well-timed pass before the latter offloads out of a tackle to allow Llewellyn to go over from just a few metres out. The extras are added by Barton and Gloucester lead by seven.Max Llewellyn drops the first deposit in the Gloucester account 🤑 https://t.co/ci849T2ndv— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) October 31, 202605:38pm7 mins: Northampton 0 Gloucester 0That is an emphatic push from the Gloucester pack. After a Northampton knock-on near their own 10-metre line, Gloucester then get a powerful shove on and dominate the scrum to win the penalty, which they put towards the corner.05:35pm5 mins: Northampton 0 Gloucester 0Gloucester enjoy a spell of possession inside the Northampton half and a Joseph carry takes them into the 22. However, Thomas knocks the ball on into contact to end the visitors’ attack.Northampton are then awarded a free-kick at the scrum, which is a an easy exit for the hosts gifted by Gloucester.05:30pmKick-offWe are under way at Franklin’s Gardens. Who will take victory in the final game before the break during the Autumn internationals; Northampton or Gloucester?05:29pmNearly ready for actionSeb Atkinson, fresh from signing a new contract at Gloucester and back from injury, leads the visitors Gloucester out onto the pitch. Then come the hosts Northampton, looking to bounce back from defeat in the east Midlands derby last weekend.05:27pmReminder of the sides this eveningNorthampton Saints starting XV: 15 James Pater, 14 Ollie Sleightholme, 13 Tommy Freeman, 12 Fraser Dingwall (captain), 11 George Hendy, 10 Anthony Belleau, 9 Alex Mitchell; 1 Emmanuel Iyogun, 2 Curtis Langdon, 3 Cleopas Kundiona, 4 Alex Coles, 5 Ed Prowse, 6 Josh Kemeny, 7 Tom Pearson, 8 Callum Chick.Replacements: 16 Robbie Smith, 17 Danilo Fischetti, 18 Ion Neculai, 19 JJ Van Der Mescht, 20 Tom Lockett, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Jonny Weimann, 23 Rory Hutchinson.Gloucester starting XV: 15 George Barton, 14 Will Joseph, 13 Max Llewellyn, 12 Seb Atkinson (captain), 11 Will Knight, 10 Charlie Atkinson, 9 Caolan Englefield; 1 Val Rapava Ruskin, 2 Seb Blake, 3 Afo Fasogbon, 4 Jean Kleyn, 5 Arthur Clark, 6 Freddie Thomas, 7 Deian Gwynne, 8 Jack Clement.Replacements: 16 Dewi Lake, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Ciaran Knight, 19 Will Trenholm, 20 Jac Morgan, 21 Lewis Ludlow, 22 Dan Robson, 23 Ben Redshaw.05:25pmAbsentees for the hostsIt’s a sellout tonight here in Northampton, but the Saints faithful won’t see anything of Fin Smith, whose calf problem is being monitored ahead of England’s meeting with Australia next Sunday. Archie McParland, who has also been included in Steve Borthwick’s squad for the Nations Series after being in fine form for his club this season, also misses out through an unspecified injury. With Saints missing their hugely influential half-back partnership, Gloucester will no doubt look to target that area. 05:24pmDisruption to training?Earlier this week, the England squad convened for a three-day training camp at Pennyhill Park. Northampton had a total of nine players in that camp, including fly-half Fin Smith for rehabilitation for an injury. In comparison, Gloucester had four. How will Northampton cope with a number of their starting XV today missing a few days of training at the start of the week?05:15pmThis round of fixturesFriday:Bristol 16 Leicester 22Today:Exeter 28 Harlequins 31Saracens 39 Newcastle 31Bath 36 Sale 28Northampton vs Gloucester 5.30pm05:08pmBoost for GloucesterThe club have announced that England centre Seb Atkinson has signed a new contract until at least 2029. Leicester were thought to be interested but Gloucester will be glad to retain his services.Gloucester DOR George Skivington:“This is a really significant resigning for us. Seb had plenty of options on the table, so his commitment to the club is a real indication of where Gloucester Rugby is right now. Seb has been exceptional for us since the day he arrived. He came with great physical qualities and an outstanding level of professionalism in the way he approaches his own development and the success of the team.”Seb Atkinson:“There is no doubt the faith the coaches have shown in me and the time they have invested in my development has played a huge role in shaping the player and person I am today. Playing at Kingsholm is a privilege, and I have been overwhelmed by how the Gloucester supporters have welcomed me and made me feel one of their own. I am in a place where I feel valued by the coaches, the fans and my team-mates. I am enjoying my rugby and feel this is the perfect environment for me to continue developing and improving my game. Most importantly, I am committed to helping bring success to this club. When I took all of those things into consideration, signing a new deal was the only decision.”Seb Atkinson is back from injury, fresh from signing a new contract at Gloucester - Getty Images/Dan Istitene05:02pmNo spare seatHome comforts 🫶 This evening's game is SOLD OUT. https://t.co/Z1q3RVCvGp— Northampton Saints 😇 (@SaintsRugby) October 31, 202604:59pmAnalysisPollock on the benchAfter his uncharacteristically quiet performance in last week’s East Midlands derby where he was subbed off early in the second half, Henry Pollock drops to the bench for this evening’s high-stakes clash with the Cherry and Whites. Phil Dowson, the Northampton Saints’ director of rugby, likes to regularly rotate his back row and ahead of a huge Test week with England, seeing Pollock’s name among the list of replacements is hardly a big surprise.04:56pmGloucester’s results so far this seasonSeptember 26: Exeter 24 Gloucester 45 (Gallagher Prem)October 3: Gloucester 48 Harlequins 0 (Gallagher Prem)October 9: Leicester 38 Gloucester 31 (Gallagher Prem)October 16: Gloucester 36 Bordeaux 36 (Champions Cup)October 23: Gloucester 23 Bath 5 (Gallagher Prem)04:52pmNorthampton results so far this seasonSeptember 25: Northampton 59 Newcastle 26 (Gallagher Prem)October 3: Bristol 41 Northampton 26 (Gallagher Prem)October 10: Northampton 71 Bath 48 (Gallagher Prem)October 18: Northampton 28 Cardiff 12 (Champions Cup)October 24: Leicester 28 Northampton 7 (Gallagher Prem)04:47pmMcParland signs new contractNorthampton have announced that 21-year-old Archie McParland has signed a new multi-year contract extension.Archie McParland:“There is so much more potential in this team. I see Saints as the club that can get the very best out of me and help me fulfil my own potential too. Last season was brilliant for me in terms of getting more game time. Playing regularly is obviously really important if you want to improve, but having strong competition around you is just as important. It has been great to get a feel for what an England camp is like and to train alongside some of the best players in the country. Playing for England has been a dream of mine since I was five years old.”Archie McParland is not involved today but has pledged his future to Northampton - Getty Images/David Rogers04:42pmPrem Rugby wants Pollock treatment from Eddie HearnEnglish rugby chiefs want Eddie Hearn, the boxing promoter, to become more involved in the sport.Earlier this year, both Henry Pollock and Finn Russell signed with Hearn’s agency Matchroom Sport. Pollock has since featured on the cover of Tatler and Men’s Health magazines, and has been ringside for Anthony Joshua and Katie Taylor fights. He has become one of the best-known rugby players on the planet.Simon Massie-Taylor, the Prem’s chief executive, recently met Hearn in Monaco and believes that, based on his involvement with Pollock and Russell, his expertise would be a “force for good” in rugby union.04:37pmTeamsNorthampton Saints starting XV: 15 James Pater, 14 Ollie Sleightholme, 13 Tommy Freeman, 12 Fraser Dingwall (captain), 11 George Hendy, 10 Anthony Belleau, 9 Alex Mitchell; 1 Emmanuel Iyogun, 2 Curtis Langdon, 3 Cleopas Kundiona, 4 Alex Coles, 5 Ed Prowse, 6 Josh Kemeny, 7 Tom Pearson, 8 Callum Chick.Replacements: 16 Robbie Smith, 17 Danilo Fischetti, 18 Ion Neculai, 19 JJ Van Der Mescht, 20 Tom Lockett, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Jonny Weimann, 23 Rory Hutchinson.Gloucester starting XV: 15 George Barton, 14 Will Joseph, 13 Max Llewellyn, 12 Seb Atkinson (captain), 11 Will Knight, 10 Charlie Atkinson, 9 Caolan Englefield; 1 Val Rapava Ruskin, 2 Seb Blake, 3 Afo Fasogbon, 4 Jean Kleyn, 5 Arthur Clark, 6 Freddie Thomas, 7 Deian Gwynne, 8 Jack Clement.Replacements: 16 Dewi Lake, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Ciaran Knight, 19 Will Trenholm, 20 Jac Morgan, 21 Lewis Ludlow, 22 Dan Robson, 23 Ben Redshaw.04:30pmKey momentsFinal game before the Prem breakNorthampton Saints host Gloucester at Franklin’s Gardens in the final round of Gallagher Prem fixtures before a break during the November internationals.It has been a mixed start to Northampton’s defence of their Prem crown; they have two wins and two defeats from their opening four league games but do enter the weekend in fourth place. They fell to a 28-7 defeat to Leicester in the east Midlands derby last weekend.“It is a very bitter pill [losing to Leicester], and difficult to come to terms with that second half in particular,” said Northampton Director of Rugby Phil Dowson. “We did not necessarily control that kicking game as well as we have been; the set piece penalty count was very high, and we did not manage to produce enough quick ball. We gave them loads of opportunities to score in our 22, and Tigers are very good at that. I watched their [Gloucester’s] game against Bath on Friday night, and they are full of confidence, Gloucester are absolutely flying. They are a very good side, and they will be carrying some momentum, so we need to make sure we pick ourselves up from this disappointment and get ready for that.”Northampton will have been licking their wounds after defeat to Leicester a week ago - Getty Images/David RogersNorthampton will have to deal without the services of England fly-half Fin Smith, who misses out with a calf injury. That means Frenchman Anthony Belleau will start at 10. In addition to Smith, there is no Archie McParland, who has just signed a new contract with the club.Gloucester’s strong start to the season continued last weekend as they beat Bath 23-5 at Kingsholm in a west country derby. That victory meant that Gloucester topped the table through the first four rounds and start the game five points ahead of their opponents today. Seb Atkinson, fresh from signing a new contract at Gloucester this week, returns from injury to captain the visitors today.“I think it [facing Northampton] is a big challenge,” Gloucester DOR George Skivington said. “From our point of view, again, it is exciting because we have wanted to test our game against the best. We did that against Bordeaux and went hard against Bordeaux, and then we wanted to do it against Bath, and I think that was a great result. But Northampton put 71 points on Bath a couple of weeks ago, so I think the reality of what Northampton are is there is a reason they are the champions. They have been really, really good for a good number of years. I think it is exciting for us. We take our game up there. Again, we have got to respect what Saints are really good at, but we also want to see how good our game is and where exactly we are at. In terms of the league, this is the number one ground to go to see if you can do it.”Gloucester come into this game bouncing after victory over Bath - Getty Images/David RogersKick-off from Franklin’s Gardens is at 5.30pm.Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays.