Formidable Sarries await Sharks
Steve Borthwick will captain a strong Saracens side in Saturday's pre-season match against the Sharks at Allianz Stadium.
Borthwick will lead the side from lock, and is partnered by England second row Mouritz Botha.
In the front row, British and Irish Lions tighthead prop Matt Stevens starts and is joined by Springbok hooker Schalk Brits and Richard Barrington.
Former Blue Bulls flank Jacques Burger returns to the side to start in the No.7 shirt. He is joined by former Western Province loose forward Justin Melck and the experienced former Golden Lions No.8 Ernst Joubert in the back row.
South African international scrumhalf Neil de Kock is partnered by the English Premiership’s record points-scorer Charlie Hodgson, whilst in the midfield, Argentine international Marcelo Bosch is joined by Fijian flyer Michael Tagicakibau to form an all international centre partnership.
European rugby’s leading try-scorer David Strettle starts on the left wing and is partnered by 2011 Premiership Final match winner James Short on the flanks, while USA international fullback Chris Wyles makes up the starting XV, playing at full-back.
Japanese international Takashi Kikutani, who has been training with the club since the new year, is included on the bench.
Saracens: 15 Chris Wyles, 14 James Short, 13 Michael Tagicakibau, 12 Marcelo Bosch, 11 David Strettle, 10 Charlie Hodgson, 9 Neil de Kock, 8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Jacques Burger, 6 Justin Melck, Mouritz Botha, Steve Borthwick (captain), Matt Stevens, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Richard Barrington.
Replacements: 16 Scott Spurling, 17 Nick Auterac, 18 Petrus du Plessis, 19 Tom Jubb, 20 Takashi Kikutani, 21 Richard Wigglesworth, 22 Duncan Taylor, 23 Sam Stanley.
Date: Saturday, February 25
Venue: Allianz Park
Kick-off: 14.30 (16.30 SA time)
Referee: Tim Wigglesworth (England)
Assistant Referees: Matthew Carley (England), Gareth Copsey (England)
TMO: Sean Davey (England)
