Northampton Saints have rested four England internationals, including Henry Pollock, for Sunday’s Champions Cup opener against Cardiff.<\/p>\n
Pollock, Tommy Freeman, Alex Coles and Manny Iyogun have all been given the weekend off as director of rugby Phil Dowson rings the changes.<\/p>\n
Saints have made seven changes following their remarkable 71-48 win over Bath last weekend.<\/p>\n
The decision comes with England’s autumn internationals fast approaching, although there are no injury or disciplinary concerns behind the quartet’s absence.<\/p>\n
Pollock among four stars rested<\/p>\n
Pollock has become one of the biggest names in English rugby, but the 21-year-old will play no part in Sunday’s European clash.<\/p>\n
He is joined on the sidelines by Freeman, Coles and Iyogun as Dowson looks to keep his squad fresh.<\/p>\n
Josh Taylor comes into the back row in Pollock’s absence and will make his Champions Cup debut.<\/p>\n
Callum Chick captains the side from number eight, with Josh Kemeny completing the back row.<\/p>\n
There is still plenty of England experience in the squad.<\/p>\n
Alex Mitchell starts at scrum-half, while Fin Smith and Fraser Dingwall are both named on the bench.<\/p>\n
Anthony Belleau gets the nod at fly-half, with George Hendy and Toby Thame returning from injury.<\/p>\n
Saints will be hoping to carry their attacking form into Europe after putting 71 points past Bath.<\/p>\n
Wales legend makes long-awaited return<\/p>\n
Cardiff have made nine changes of their own, with one familiar face making a welcome return.<\/p>\n
Wales great Taulupe Faletau is back in the starting XV for his first appearance since March.<\/p>\n
The experienced number eight is joined by Jarrod Evans, who makes his first start since returning to Cardiff.<\/p>\n
Josh Adams is also back from a calf injury and takes his place among the replacements.<\/p>\n