Exeter Chiefs v Northampton Saints: Team news for Saturday's game at Sandy Park

George Furbank will start at fly-half when Saints take on Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
George Furbank is ready to pull the strings for Saints at Sandy Park on SaturdayGeorge Furbank is ready to pull the strings for Saints at Sandy Park on Saturday
George Furbank is ready to pull the strings for Saints at Sandy Park on Saturday

The England back has recovered from concussion and is given the nod at 10, replacing James Grayson, who is not in the matchday squad.

Dan Biggar could have come into consideration as Wales are not in Six Nations action this weekend, but he has been given a breather during a hectic schedule.

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Furbank has played at 10 for Saints before, most recently lining up in the position for the Champions Cup defeat to Leinster in Dublin back in December.

Ahsee Tuala comes in at full-back this weekend, replacing youngster Tommy Freeman, who has an ankle injury.

Matt Proctor is back from a knee injury and replaces Taqele Naiyaravoro on the wing.

In the pack, Ehren Painter starts at tighthead, taking the place of Paul Hill, who is on the bench.

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Api Ratuniyarawa has shrugged off a calf injury and starts in the second row.

There is some good news among the replacements as Harry Mallinder gets set to make his first appearance since November.

Teimana Harrison (hand), Owen Franks (foot), Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi (Achilles), Manny Iyogun (ankle), Kayde Sylvester (Achilles) and Freeman are sidelined.

As for Exeter, they have opted to call on Stuart Hogg, with the Scotland star available as his country do not play in the Six Nations this weekend.

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Exeter Chiefs: Hogg; O'Flaherty, Hendrickson, Devoto, Hodge; H Skinner, Maunder; Hepburn, Yeandle (c), Williams; Witty, S Skinner; Ewers, Capstick, S Simmonds.

Replacements: Innard, Kenny, Steet, Armand, Lonsdale, Hidalgo-Clyne, J Simmonds, Whitten.

Saints: Tuala; Proctor, Hutchinson, Francis, Sleightholme; Furbank, Mitchell; Waller (cc), Matavesi, Painter; Ribbans, Ratuniyarawa; Isiekwe, Ludlam (cc), Adendorff.

Replacements: Marshall, Auterac, Hill, Coles, Wood, Taylor, Mallinder, Naiyaravoro.