COURTNEY LAWES will lead the Northampton charge in their grudge match with Saracens.
And he warned England team-mate Maro Itoje: This is war.
Saints lock Lawes is best mates with Itoje — but also his No 1 rival for the Red Rose shirt.
England boss Eddie Jones is bringing forwards coach Steve Borthwick with him to Allianz Park to witness this heavyweight clash.
But as well as Test caps on the line, bad blood still boils from 2010 when Sarries won at Franklin’s Gardens and were accused of celebrating like they had won the league.
Tough-tackling Lawes said: “Our fans love these games against Sarries and there’s that fierce rivalry.
“That’s what it’s all about for us wearing the shirt — and the fans love watching us go at it.
“We like to front up. It’s always fierce and a game with that bit of edge to it.
“Maro and George Kruis are good mates and it should be a real battle for that England shirt. There’ll be a bit of chat on the pitch but nothing over the top.
“I’m not happy with just being in the England squad — I want to make sure I’m in that starting team and Eddie has to pick me.”
Lawes’ Saints mate Teimana Harrison is also ready to rip into the Premiership and European champs and dish out their first defeat in 12 games.
The New Zealand-born flanker’s performance at Sarries last season proved to Jones that he was worth a place on tour with England in Australia. Harrison, 24, said: “I want to go out and smash Sarries.
“We know we can — we went there last year and beat them in the league.”
Aviva Premiership clubs are supporting the Aviva community fund, offering £25,000 to grassroots clubs and other community organisations. To enter log on to aviva.co.uk/community-fund
Leave a comment