Bristol Rugby fly-half Adrian Jarvis insists he is on the way to rediscovering his kicking rhythm, the revival of which could help rescue the club's season.

Jarvis missed six of eight first-half attempts at goal against Saracens in Bristol's last match, a 24-22 defeat at the Memorial Stadium, and was replaced by Chris Ashwin at the start of the second period.

But the 24-year-old, who signed from Harlequins in the close season, has scored 57 points in seven competitive appearances for Bristol and is set to start on Sunday against Northampton Saints in the Guinness Premiership – a chance he is looking forward to.

"Things haven't really gone to plan," he said. "It's a massive game, it's bread and butter for us and we've prepared well for it.

"There's a lot of impetus from us that this is going to be the turning point of our season. With everything that's being said about Bristol being bottom of the table everyone's desperate to get into the side, onto the pitch, show them what we can do and win some games. Obviously my goal-kicking hasn't gone as well as it could have or should have done so that's been a real focus for me. In the last three or four weeks I've been trying to get back into a rythym and I think I'm just beginning to get back into one."

Jarvis was part of the England Saxons squad which won the Churchill Cup in the summer and his international credentials will be put to the test when he faces up to former All Blacks Carlos Spencer and Bruce Reihana.

"They've got a lot of very good players with a lot of experience," said Jarvis. "We know what we're up against and we've analysed them well and we'll look to stop them putting into action what we know they can do.

"We know the tricks (Spencer's) going to attempt to pull off. With his trick kicks and plays he's obviously a massive threat."

Massive threats can be countered in part by home advantage. And, as always, the club are hoping the fans continue to live up to their reputation for fine support, something Jarvis is convinced will continue on Sunday.

"The home games are always a massive advantage," he said. "And certainly the Mem is a great place to play rugby. There's always a great atmosphere and this weekend will be just as good as ever.

"The importance of it, for us, is that we perform this Sunday and get a win. It's not a complete disaster if we lose. There's still a long way to go. But we haven't been thinking like that. Training has gone well and there's a good confidence in the squad. We need more than just one win. We need to put a string of them together to get up the table and to get our game going."

Head coach Richard Hill has made just three chances from the starting line-up against Saracens. Ed Barnes replaces Luke Eves at inside centre after recovering from a hamstring injury, Robert Sidoli is in for the injured Nathan Budgett (knee) and Matt Salter makes way for Alfie To'oala on the blind side flank.

Catch the full Adrian Jarvis video on our website at: thisisbristol.co.uk/video

Bristol: Vunga Lilo; Tom Arscott, Neil Brew, Ed Barnes, David Lemi; Adrian Jarvis, Graeme Beveridge; Alex Clarke, Mark Regan, Jason Hobson; Roy Winters, Robert Sidoli; Alfie To'oala, Joe El Abd (capt), Dan Ward-Smith; Replacements: Scott Linklater, Darren Crompton, Mariano Sambucetti, Iain Grieve, Shaun Perry, Luke Eves, Mat Turner.