Scrum-half Fotuali’i to get Saints chance as Dickson is rested

BIG CHANCE - Kahn Fotuali'i, who came off the bench to play against Ospreys on Sunday, is set to start in this Saturday's Saints game against Saracens (Picture: Linda Dawson)

Dickson could yet be retained by England as they prepare for the upcoming QBE Internationals, which begin on November 2.

But if he is sent back to Saints, he is unlikely to start in the crunch Aviva Premiership clash with Sarries as Fotuali’i gets set for some game time.

The Samoan has started just two matches for Northampton since his summer move from Ospreys but has figured regularly from the bench.

But Mallinder is now ready to throw Fotuali’i the No.9 shirt from the off as Dickson, who has yet to lose a game he has started for Saints this season, gets a well-earned rest.

“It was a tough decision as to who to pick (last weekend), but Lee Dickson is playing on top of his game,” said Mallinder after his side’s win against Ospreys on Sunday.

“I think he (Dickson) will be one who will be rested next week so Kahn will be playing for the next couple of weeks.”

Another man set to be back in Mallinder’s thinking for Saturday is Sam Dickinson, who was given last weekend off.

The big No.8 was named Saints player of the month for September and it was felt he needed a break after such a whirlwind start to the season.

“He’s had a good five or six weeks has Sam Dickinson and it was time to have a breather,” said Mallinder.

“He’ll come back into the mix next week.”