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Men’s Rugby Union North to make first Saints appearance in three months at Twickenham

GEORGE NORTH could make his first Northampton Saints appearance in almost three months in today’s Premiership clash with Harlequins at Twickenham.

The British and Irish Lions wing suffered a knee injury in Saints’ 57-13 humbling by Saracens in European Champions Cup action on October 15.

North missed Wales’s entire autumn Test campaign as a result of the blow, but has returned to full training and will take a seat on the bench for today’s Twickenham showdown with Quins.

Head coach Alan Dickens will lead Northampton against Harlequins, while Saints have installed experienced Australian coach Alan Gaffney as a technical coaching assistant until the end of the season.

“We need to be more clinical and really focus on looking after the ball and going through the phases,” said Dickens.

“Harlequins are a very tough team to play and like us have had frustrating periods this season but can beat anyone on their day.

“We need to go down to Twickenham with the belief that we can win and I think, if we can put some of their key players under pressure, we can turn that environment to our advantage.”

Ben Morgan will make just his fourth appearance of the season when Gloucester host Sale today, the England number eight having finally shaken off a clutch of injury issues.

Marland Yarde has slotted onto Sale’s bench for the Kingsholm trip, in boss Steve Diamond’s sole change to the Sharks squad from their 32-9 win over Bath.

Max Northcote-Green, Scott Steele and Johnny Williams will all start as London Irish host Newcastle Falcons at Reading’s Madejski Stadium.

Lock Sean Robinson and wing Alex Tait will start in Newcastle’s trip south, with Will Witty and Sinoti Sinoti ruled out through injury.

Brad Barritt will start for Saracens after injury, captaining the north Londoners in their home clash with Worcester, with Nathan Earle starting on the wing.

England star George Kruis has been rested, with Nick Isiekwe partnering Will Skelton at lock.

Gareth Milasinovic, Darren Barry and Sam Olver will all start for Worcester at Saracens, with Nick Schonert, Will Spencer and Jono Lance forced out through injury.

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