Northampton: A player by player guide

Alistair Hepher

Age: 25. Height: 5ft 8in. Weight: 15st.

The broken leg sustained by Nick Beal means a re-jig for the backline with Hepher, normally an outhalf switching to full back. Noted for his ability to bring his three-quarters into play, he displaced Paul Grayson for a large slice of the season. Not the quickest, nor is he a very good line kicker, so he can expect to be tested early on.

Ben Cohen

Age: 21. Height: 6ft 2in. Weight: 15st 10lbs.

Made his England debut this season and revelled in the game against Ireland. A nephew of 1966 soccer World Cup-winning full back George. Strong runner and difficult to contain, his club will be hoping that he sees plenty of action this season. Can be a bit cumbersome on the turn and that is an area Munster will look to exploit.

Allan Bateman

Age: 35. Height: 5ft 9in. Weight: 13st.

Richly gifted former rugby league player. The Lions and Wales international is still one of the best exponents in his position despite being midway through his thirties. Great ability to read a defence, strong ball carrier and a player who creates space for others in the backline. If Northampton are to win then expect him to have a big game.

Matt Allen

Age: 26. Height: 6ft 2in. Weight: 15st 2lbs.

At one stage was considered a prospective England international but has managed just a single appearance in a non-cap match. Performs most of the donkey work in terms of taking the ball up from first-phase play. A powerful runner, he is a player off whom the pack work. Very solid defensively, he is a good foil for Bateman.

Craig Moir

Age: 26. Height: 5ft 10in. Weight: 14st 7lbs.

Scottish international winger, he hasn't always been first choice. The emergence of Cohen and the Scot means that former England winger Jon Sleightholme has been consigned to the background. Good attacking player, he is a competent defender. Will need to establish a quick rapport with Hepher who is likely to require some nursing out of position.

Paul Grayson

Age: 28. Height: 5ft 11in. Weight: 13st 10lbs.

Experienced England international who has struggled at club level. Has often being omitted in favour of Hepher. His perceived shortcoming is an inability to bring the best out of his three-quarter line. Prefers to stay in the pocket, rather than adopting the flatter positioning of the younger generation. Superb place-kicker and a match winner in this respect.

Dominic Malone

Age: 25. Height: 6ft. Weight: 14st.

Has been handed the scrumhalf berth on account of the dislocated shoulder suffered by Lions hero and England captain Matt Dawson. Strong player with a good turn of speed, he represents a threat to opposing back rows. Given Dawson's national commitments he has seen a fair bit of action in the club jersey.

Garry Pagel

Age: 33. Height: 6ft 2in. Weight: 18st 7lbs.

A former Springbok, he is now well settled into English club rugby. Has established a reputation as a fearsome scrumagger but his contribution is much greater. Used as a very effective ball carrier, he also punches his weight defensively. Very street-wise and part of an excellent front row who will offer another stern examination to the Munster front row.

Federico Mendez

Age: 27. Height: 6ft. Weight: 17st.

Argentinian hooker who achieved notoriety as a teenager when sent off against England at Twickenham for flooring English second row Paul Ackford. Tragically missed out on last year's World Cup through injury. One of the best hookers in world rugby, he takes pride in directing the scrumagging.

Mattie Stewart

Age: 27. Height: 5ft 11in. Weight: 18st.

Scottish international prop who is often replaced in the later stages of matches by the gargantuan Argentinian Martin Scelzo, at 6ft 4in and over 21 stone. As one would expect from a member of the Scotland team, an excellent rucking technique and a decent player in all respects around the pitch.

Richard Metcalfe

Age: 26. Height: 7ft. Weight: 19st 10lbs.

Probably the tallest player in international rugby at a lofty 7ft, this Scottish lighthouse succeeded the diminutive former England international Martin Bayfield (who stands at 6ft 10in) in the affection of the Northampton faithful. Integral part of Scotland's Six Nations win over England. Keith Wood will have to be very accurate on Munster's throw.

Tim Rodber

Age: 30. Height: 6ft 6in. Weight: 18st.

Former England international, he began his career as a number eight, enjoying perhaps his finest hours in that position for the 1997 Lions in South Africa. Played in the first two tests after flu ruled out Ireland's Eric Miller, initially. Noted for his thunderous tackling a huge work-rate, he is a talismanic figure for his team and their supporters and will carry an even greater burden this time.

Don Mackinnon

Age: 29. Height: 6ft 3in. Weight: 16st 3lbs.

Hard working blindside flanker whose effectiveness is often overlooked in favour of his two more high profile back rowcolleagues. Given the injury to Pat Lam he will have to shoulder (no pun intended) a greater work-load, especially as Budge Pountney is also not fully fit. Has been an integral part of the Northampton team this season.

Budge Pountney

Age: 26. Height: 6ft. Weight: 15st 7lbs.

Scottish international flanker who has been a revelation for his country this season and no less effective for his club. Ireland's Kieron Dawson rates him very highly and would argue that he is a better openside than Neil Back. Huge work-rate, puts his body where others wouldn't stick a toe. Carrying an injury but will still be a threat.

Pat Lam (capt)

Age: 31. Height: 6ft 2in. Weight: 16st 7lbs.

It would have been a travesty if this Manu Samoan international had been forced to miss out on the biggest match in the club's history. Inspirational captain and one of the best players in the world game. Suffered a dislocated shoulder recently and should not really be playing. It limits his effectiveness but even deprived of his normal powerful attributes he is still required.