Trio of England stars on Saints bench for Wasps clash

Jim Mallinder has opted to give the England trio a bit of a breather after last weekend’s superb win at Leinster, with Mike Haywood, Sam Dickinson and Kahn Fotuali’i coming into the starting 15.

Those are the only three changes from the 18-9 success at the Aviva Stadium, with Tom Collins remaining on the wing and George North continuing to form a centre partnership with Luther Burrell.

With Hartley on the bench, Tom Wood will captain the side, while Samu Manoa moves from eight to four to accommodate Dickinson.

Saints remain without Ben Foden, Alex Corbisiero (both knee), James Wilson, Dom Waldouck (both calf), James Craig (shoulder) and George Pisi, who is banned until December 23.

Saints: K Pisi; Elliott, North, Burrell, Collins; Myler, Fotuali’i; A Waller, Haywood, Ma’afu, Manoa, C Day, Clark, Wood (c), Dickinson.

Replacements: Hartley, E Waller, Mercey, Lawes, Dowson, L Dickson, G Dickson, Stephenson.

Wasps: Daly; Helu, Bell (c), Hayter, Varndell; Goode, Davies; Mullan, Festuccia, Cooper-Woolley, Palmer, Launchbury, Johnson, Haskell, Jones.

Replacements: Lindsay, Vea, Swainston, Cannon, Thompson, Simpson, Carlisle, Suniula.