Marshall returns to face Carnegie
Saracens return to Guinness Premiership action on Sunday when Leeds Carnegie visit Vicarage Road with the home side going into the game looking to make it six wins from six in the competition.
Sarries currently top the Guinness Premiership with five wins from five this season and in team news ahead of the game, Director of Rugby Brendan Venter recalls Alex Goode, Noah Cato, Kameli Ratuvou and Glen Jackson in the backline for the game with Justin Marshall starting at scrumhalf against his former club.
In the pack, Rhys Gill, Schalk Brits and Carlos Nieto form the front row and come into the starting line-up along with Mouritz Botha and Ernst Joubert.
And although the club has enjoyed a successful start to the season, Venter insists his side will not be getting complacent.
“While we have enjoyed a good start, we will not be taking our eye off the ball. Leeds Carnegie come to us currently at the bottom of the Premiership table, but we have seen this season that there is little to separate the teams in the tournament.
“Within their side, Leeds have some dangerous ball carriers and experience in key positions. Alfie To’oala and Seru Rabeni at No.8 and centre in particular offer them a lot of go forward. We can expect them to come out full of fight and play with plenty of passion, something we will have to better to get the result we want.”
Neil Back and Andy Key meanwhile have made eleven changes to the Leeds Carnegie squad from the side who recorded the first win of the season against Parma last Sunday.
Four of the changes come in the back line with Andy Gomarsall and Ceiron Thomas returning in the half backs whilst Seru Rabeni replaces Jonny Hepworth at centre. Finally, Lee Blackett comes in for Scott Armstrong on the wing.
In the front row, only Phil Nilsen retains his place at hooker whilst captain Marco Wentzel lines up alongside Phil Murphy in the second row. Kearnan Myall returns from an ankle injury in the back row alongside Hendre Fourie and Alfie To’oala.
New signing Henry Fa’afili is set to make his first appearance for the club after being named on the bench.
The teams:
Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 Noah Cato, 13 Kameli Ratuvou, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 Chris Wyles, 10 Glen Jackson, 9 Justin Marshall, 8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Andy Saull, 6 Wikus van Heerden, 5 Mouritz Botha, 4 Steve Borthwick(captain), 3 Carlos Nieto, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Rhys Gill.
Replacements: 16 Ethienne Reynecke, 17 Matias Aguero, 18 Richard Skuse, 19 Hugh Vyvyan, 20 Justin Melck, 21 Neil de Kock, 22 Derick Hougaard, 23 Michael Tagicakibau.
Leeds:15 Leigh Hinton, 14 Richard Welding, 13 Seru Rabeni, 12 Scott Barrow, 11 Lee Blackett, 10 Ceiron Thomas, 9 Andy Gomarsall, 8 Alfie To’oala, 7 Hendre Fourie, 6 Kearnan Myall, 5 Marco Wentzel (captain), 4 Phil Murphy, 3 Juan Gomez, 2 Phil Nisen, 1 Tommy McGee.
Replacements:16 Vili Ma’asi, 17 Gareth Hardy, 18 Phil Swainston, 19 Erik Lund, 20 Calum Clark, 21 Scott Mathie, 22 Henry Paul, 23 Henry Fa’afili.
Date: Sunday, October 25
Venue: Vicarage Road
Time: 15.00 (14.00 GMT)
Referee: David Rose
