Saracens v Wasps: Teams

There are few surprises in the Saracens line-up as they open up their Aviva Premiership title defence against Wasps in the London Double Header.

New signings Charlie Hodgson, Ben Spencer and Duncan Taylor will all have to wait to make their debuts after been named on the bench.

England fly-half Hodgson loses out to the talented Owen Farrell, however fellow internationals Dave Strettle and Steve Borthwick both start.

Saracens are missing Matt Stevens, Richard Wigglesworth, Chris Wyles, Hayden Smith, Jacques Burger, Kelly Brown, Michael Tagicakibau and John Smit due to the Rugby World Cup.

New Wasps director of rugby Dai Young has named his strongest possible line-up for the clash.

Massive

New signings Hugo Southwell, Chris Bell, Nick Robinson, Marco Wentzel and Jonathan Poff all make their debuts, with Jeremy Castex and Ryan Davis named on the bench.

England Under-20s stars Christian Wade and Joe Launchbury are handed starts, with Billy Vunipola among the replacements.

"We're coming into this on the back of a tough pre-season but this game will be a massive step-up for us. Saracens were deserved champions last year and we're under no illusions about the challenge they are going to present to us this weekend," said Young.

"I have been pleased with the progress we have made in the last few weeks and the players have shown tremendous attitude and commitment. If we can replicate that in this weekend's game we certainly have a chance."

Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 David Strettle, 13 Adam Powell, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 James Short, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Neil de Kock, 8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Andy Saull, 6 Justin Melck, 5 Mouritz Botha, 4 Steve Borthwick (capt), 3 Carlos Nieto, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Rhys Gill.
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Deon Carstens, 18 Petrus du Plessis, 19 George Kruis, 20 Jackson Wray, 21 Ben Spencer, 22 Charlie Hodgson, 23 Duncan Taylor.

Wasps: 15 Hugo Southwell, 14 Tom Varndell, 13 Chris Bell, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Christian Wade, 10 Nicky Robinson, 9 Charlie Davies, 8 John Hart, 7 Jonathan Poff, 6 Joe Launchbury, 5 Marco Wentzel, 4 Richard Birkett, 3 Ben Broster, 2 Rob Webber, 1 Tim Payne.
Replacements: 16 Nathan Morris, 17 Jeremy Castex, 18 Bob Baker, 19 James Cannon, 20 Billy Vunipola, 21 Nic Berry, 22 Ryan Davis, 23 Richard Haughton.