Ashton backs the rushed return of Saints' stars for Midlands derby

Northampton Saints have been left with no choice but to go all guns blazing in their East Midlands derby meeting with Leicester Tigers.

The reigning champions have been left cut adrift of the top four following an underwhelming title defence thus far.

Despite there being just six days between England's win over Wales and Friday's fixture, England stars Fin Smith and Fraser Dingwall have been thrown back into the starting XV, while Henry Pollock is named amongst the replacements.

Leicester's internationals are also back starting but their Six Nations involvements; Tommy Reffell, Jack van Poortvliet and Freddie Steward all had limited minutes during the tournament meaning their returns are less surprising.

Former winger Chris Ashton knows from his time with both sides what it's like to play in a fiery East Midlands derby and isn't surprised at all that given Northampton are nine points off the top four, they've had to rush their key men back, but is confident it's not a player welfare issue.

He told All Things Rugby: "Because there's so few fixtures, clubs, I anticipate, will be desperate to get the players in and go in. Everybody's going to be looking at it, especially teams like Northampton, who need all the wins they can get, to get back up. Sitting at eighth is no good. For the amount of players that they've had away, they need to get them in and get them playing as quickly as possible.

"I don't see it as an issue as they've had two weeks off during the eight-week block of the Six Nations. You've just got to plan based on minutes, I'm sure we'll see some players not participating this weekend but even then, you might see them come off the bench."

Being punched by Manu Tuilagi

Ashton feels Northampton's rivalry with Leicester eclipses any other in English rugby and has learned the hard way, the violent nature of the derby.

He said: "Getting punched in the face certainly wasn't a fond memory. I enjoyed playing against Alessana Tuilagi on the opposite wing as he was an absolute freak of a unit. They are just really enjoyable games because everyone is desperate for their team to win.

"It's the rivalry with the most history. Leicester dominated rugby for so long, and Northampton in recent times have been more successful, having won it last year. They're just two massive clubs of English rugby. They hold the Midlands up. Anyone who lives in the Midlands is split and there's not many better places to go and watch rugby than Northampton or Leicester."

You can expect fireworks on and off the pitch.

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