Leicester Tigers begin the defence of their ninth English league title tomorrow with a game that is "as intense and passionate as a Premiership game can get".

That's the view of Tigers hooker George Chuter who has been involved in some serious clashes with Saints in his nine years at Welford Road.

The sub-plots to the televised showdown at Franklin's Gardens are long and tasty. It's first versus second from last season, and there are East Midlands' bragging rights on the line.

Saints are trying to take Tigers' mantle at the top of the tree, and former Tigers team mates Dorian West and Richard Cockerill go head-to-head as forwards coaches of their respective teams.

It's also a first chance to gauge Dusty Hare's scouting work since defecting from Leicester to Northampton, and former Tigers Academy players Matt Cornwell and Greig Tonks are among Saints' new signings.

Chuter is one of several England team mates facing up to each other as well, and he says there is little need for any motivational team talk.

"If any new guys are unsure as to what to expect in the Premiership this year, this match will give them all a real eye opener," he said.

"It is about as intense and passionate as a Premiership game can get. Some people have suggested that it's not ideal facing them in the first game but we have to play them home and away so why not now?

"Franklin's Gardens is a real tough place to play, and there is an intimidating atmosphere. It's a fantastic rugby ground and their supporters mirror ours in terms of passion and pride.

"Saints also have a very good team. They have some very good players who, as they showed last year, are starting to click as a team as well.

"Their spell in Division One a couple of years ago seemed to make them bond more as a squad, giving them a bit more confidence. Then someone like Chris Ashton comes in and sets the Premiership alight.

"They have guys like Lee Dickson and Shane Geraghty, who can score lots of points, and they are tough up front as well. They are a tough team to beat, especially at home.

"They showed last season that they are not the finished article and there is still some improving to do, but we have to concentrate on what we are doing and stick to our plans."

Tigers' plans have been affected by injuries to four key players. While Richard Blaze (foot) and Geoff Parling's (neck) injuries have been known for some time, the absence of Louis Deacon (back) and Jordan Crane (ankle) have forced a re-think.

Steve Mafi and Ben Gulliver have been signed to bolster the second row but won't play until Monday night's A League game. New signing from Wasps George Skivington and Calum Green, 20, will step in.

Their performances will be crucial for Tigers' hopes of clean line-out ball. In derbies like this, your bread and butter has to be spot on.

Also, Ben Woods and Craig Newby will have to be at the top of their game in a fast and frenetic breakdown area.

Tigers look settled and strong in the backs and have a young man on the bench called Manu Tuilagi who could be the talk of the league come Christmas.

Saints have lost seasoned second rowers Juandre Kruger and Ignacio Fernandez. So England's Courtney Lawes must play well, as must inspirational captain Phil Dowson.

Prop Euan Murray is absent on religious grounds (he doesn't play on Sundays) but Brian Mujati is a quality replacement. With Martin Castrogiovanni facing up to Soane Tonga'huia, the battle of the front rows will be worth the admission fee alone.

In the backs, Ben Foden and Chris Ashton are international class but the centres must step up to the mark and the debate over their starting fly-half, Stephen Myler or Shane Geraghty, needs resolving. Myler starts tomorrow.

Being at home, Saints need a win more than Leicester. But Tigers will remember the 19-3 battering they took in last year's fixture. It should be a classic.