Saracens v Wasps: Teams

Van Gisbergen: 200th appearance for Wasps

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Saracens return to Guinness Premiership action on the back of their victory over World Champions South Africa when they welcome Wasps to Vicarage Road.

Following Tuesday's dramatic Wembley Stadium win, Sarries director of rugby Brendan Venter has insisted his players must raise effort levels even higher to preserve their unbeaten record in the Guinness Premiership campaign.

"Tuesday was a fantastic night for the club and we created some special memories. I was so proud of the players after a magnificent performance," said Venter.

"We face another hugely competitive game on Sunday against a side who have also enjoyed a great start to the season.

"Wasps record over the past years has seen them win countless trophies, so we will have to raise our effort levels even higher than against the World Champions."

Kevin Barrett will make his first Premiership start for the league leaders in place of Neil de Kock, who is sidelined with an ankle injury.

Alex Goode and Andy Saull both return to the starting XV alongside Schalk Brits at hooker, while Justin Marshall and Adam Powell have shaken off calf and hamstring problems respectively to take places on the bench.

International duty

Several Sarries players will miss the game for international duty, including Chris Wyles and Hayden Smith for the USA, Fabio Ongaro and Matias Aguero for Italy and Moses Rauluni for Fiji.

The London derby will mark Wasps full-back Mark Van Gisbergen's 200th appearance in black and gold after being rested last weekend for their LV= Cup victory over Gloucester.

The Wasps starting line-up will be boosted by the return of inside centre Dominic Waldouck following his recovery from a fractured cheekbone sustained last month.

Half-back pairing Dave Walder and Joe Simpson return to the back division, with Gabriel Bocca and Ben Broster joining hooker Joe Ward up front.

Richard Birkett and George Skivington line up in the second row in the absence of Simon Shaw, who has been named for England's clash with New Zealand.

A complete back row shuffle will see John Hart feature alongside captain Serge Betsen and Dan-Ward Smith, returning from a neck strain injury.

Hooker Rob Webber returns to the bench following recovery from medial ligament tear to his knee, joined by Steve Kefu who has shrugged off a shoulder complaint.

"This game is one we always look forward to, being a London Derby, and with Saracens holding top spot in the league it is a great opportunity for us to see where we are at," said Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks.

"Sunday also represents an important day for the Wasps family when we can celebrate Mark Van Gisbergen's 200th game."

Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 Noah Cato, 13 Kameli Ratuvou, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 Michael Tagicakibau, 10 Derick Hougaard, 9 Kevin Barrett, 1 Rhys Gill, 2 Schalk Brits, 3 Carlos Nieto, 4 Hugh Vyvyan, 5 Tom Ryder, 6 Wikus van Heerden (c), 7 Andy Saull, 8 Ernst Joubert.
Replacements: 16 Ethienne Reynecke, 17 Kasiano Lealamanua, 18 Richard Skuse, 19 Mouritz Botha, 20 Don Barrell, 21 Justin Marshall, 22 Adam Powell, 23 Rodd Penney.

Wasps: 15 Mark Van Gisbergen, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Ben Jacobs, 12 Dominic Waldouck, 11 Tom Varndell, 10 Dave Walder, 9 Joe Simpson, 1 Gabriel Bocca, 2 Joe Ward, 3 Ben Broster, 4 George Skivington, 5 Richard Birkett, 6 John Hart, 7 Serge Betsen (c), 8 Dan Ward-Smith.
Replacements: 16 Rob Webber, 17 Charlie Beech, 18 Bob Baker, 19 Marty Veale, 20 Dan Leo, 21 Warren Fury, 22 Steve Kefu, 23 Lachlan Mitchell.