Northampton's Lions stars Fin Smith and Tommy Freeman roaring ready for Leicester Tigers clash

Smith is not willing to repeat the whitewash that happened last year at Franklin’s Gardens, when Leicester Tigers took a comfortable 33-0 win back to Leicestershire.

The 23-year-old, who recently signed a new multi-year contract at the club and is returning from mandatory rest after the Lions tour, said that the derby defeat last season was embarrassing, but he is ready to relish a ‘mouth-watering opportunity’.

“(It’s a) mouth-watering opportunity for me to come straight back into. It’s a massive derby, particularly after how we performed in this fixture last season; it was embarrassing; it’s the quickest I have ever gone down the tunnel after a game. I feel we really owe it to ourselves and the town to put a proper performance in,” Smith said.

With the Tigers changing a lot in the half-backs, following the departure of Ben Youngs and Handre Pollard, the England international said it is challenging to figure out the opposition so early into the season.

“We’re not too sure who is going to play 10, but I imagine Jack (van Poortvliet) will play at nine, so we know what we are going to get from him, but we're not sure what we will get from the 10.”

Director of Rugby Phil Dowson revealed that last year’s result was mentioned in the team’s meetings, and it was a message of ‘never again’. The 44-year-old said that there is excitement in the changing room from both old and fresh faces ahead of Saturday.

“We’ve talked a bit this week about the derby and the importance of it, and the magnitude of it in domestic rugby, and how lucky we are to have Leicester on the doorstep and these games twice a year at least.

“There is loads of history, there’s loads of intensity, and it’s a great occasion. I think it is something we are all excited about, and the new players are really excited to be involved with it, having seen it from the outset,” said Dowson.

Having beaten Harlequins last week, the Saints’ boss had plenty of praise for Geoff Parling’s side.

“They’re very strong, they have two very powerful and athletic wingers and are certainly a handful. Radwan has been a great addition to their squad, and they have one of the best nines in the world in Jack Van Poortvliet,” said Dowson.

Potentially facing up against those ‘athletic wingers’ is Tommy Freeman, who will make his 100th Saints appearance if selected. The Lions winger highlighted the physical threat both Adam Radwan and Ollie Hassell-Collins possess.

“They’re quick lads, so hopefully we can contain their speed, and I want to be playing against the best and testing myself. The main thing is that what happened last season is not to happen again. I’m very excited, I’ve had four weeks to get my body and mind right, and I’m ready for this challenge,” said Freeman.

East Midlands bragging rights will be decided on Saturday, August 11, at Franklin’s Gardens, kick-off 3.05pm.