Scottish leader up against Bulls

Kelly Brown will lead a powerful Saracens team against the Bulls at Allianz Park on Saturday.

The English giants, who lost in the finals of both the European and Premiership competitions, will look to maintain their unbeaten run against South African opposition – having previously beaten the Sharks, Western Province and the Bok midweek touring team.

"We're expecting a massive challenge from a team including 15 Springboks," said the former Scotland captain.

"However, we are fielding our strongest available side and we'll be ready."

Neil de Kock, who played in 10 Tests for the Springboks before moving to Saracens in 2006, will partner Charlie Hodgson at halfback.

Maintaining the club policy of giving opportunities to talented players from the Saracens global network, Valentin Poparlan of Timisoara Saracens and Romania, is included.

Jackson Wray, 24, will make his 100th appearance for the club, becoming the fourth member of the golden 'Class of 2008' to reach that landmark – combining with another South African, Ernst Joubert, and Brown in a strong back row.

"To have made 100 appearances alongside the guys I have played with, I feel very fortunate," Wray said.

"It's definitely a privilege to have played 100 games for Saracens.

"We've played a few South African teams now, and they're all very direct and no more so than the Bulls.

"We're excited about it and I know that some of our South African players are chomping at the bit for Saturday, we're really looking forward to getting stuck in.

"We know it's going to be physical and for us it's about giving it back them and more, and asserting ourselves on them and in previous clashes we have done.

"I have no doubt that we will be fully focused on Saturday's game, and the lads are ready to hit the game hard on Saturday afternoon. It should be a great contest."

Saracens: 15 Ben Ransom, 14 Jack Wilson, 13 Tim Streather, 12 Chris Wyles, 11 David Strettle, 10 Charlie Hodgson, 9 Neil de Kock, 8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Kelly Brown (captain), 6 Jackson Wray, 5 Valetin Poparlan, 4 Jim Hamilton, 3 Petrus du Plessis, 2 Brett Sharman, 1 Richard Barrington.

Replacements: TBC

Date: Saturday, January 31

Venue: Allianz Park, London

Kick-off: 15.15 (17.15 SA time; 15.15 GMT)

Referee: Tim Wigglesworth (England)

Assistant referees: Peter Huckle (England), Nigel Carrick (England)

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