London Welsh v Saracens - Aviva Premiership match preview

Charlie Hodgson: recalled by Saracens

Gavin Henson: looking forward to making his first start for London Welsh

Former Wales international centre Gavin Henson will make his first Aviva Premiership start for London Welsh against Saracens at the Kassam Stadium today.

Henson, who replaces Gordon Ross at No 10, is one of six changes made by head coach Lyn Jones to the starting line-up which went down 31-25 to Gloucester last Sunday.

Hooker Dan George and centre James Lewis replace Neil Briggs and Sonny Parker, who both have injuries.

Canadian international Phil Mackenzie comes in on the right wing, with Tom Arscott reverting to full-back and Seb Jewell named on the bench.

Mike Denbee returns to the side following the injury he sustained against Exeter Chiefs and replaces Michael Hills at openside flanker.

Saracens have recalled Charlie Hodgson, David Strettle and James Short.

With Alex Goode, Brad Barritt and Chris Ashton among those rested on rotation, Strettle will make his first start of the season and Owen Farrell will switch to inside centre with Hodgson named at fly-half.

In the forwards, John Smit starts at hooker with second-row George Kruis and flanker Andy Saull both getting their first runs of the season.

London Welsh: 15 T Arscott, 14 P MacKenzie, 13 J Lewis, 12 H Tonga'uiha, 11 N Scott, 10 G Henson, 9 T Keats, 8 E Jackson, 7 M Denbee, 6 D Browne, 5 M Corker, 4 J Mills (capt), 3 P Ion, 2 D George, 1 F Montanella.
Replacements: 16 G Bateman, 17 T Bristow, 18 A Joly, 19 K Kulemin, A To'oala, 21 N Runciman, 22 R Davis, 23 S Jewell.

Saracens: 15 C Wyles, 14 D Strettle, 13 J Tomkins, 12 O Farrell, 11 J Short, 10 C Hodgson, 9 R Wigglesworth, 8 J Wray, 7 A Saull, 6 W Fraser, 5 G Kruis, 4 S Borthwick (c), 3 M Stevens, 2 J Smit, 1 R Gill.
Replacements: 16 J George, 17 M Vunipola, 18 C Nieto, 19 M Botha, 20 N Fenton-Wells, 21 N De Kock, 22 K Ratuvou, 23 D Taylor.

What they said...

Exiles new boy Gavin Henson

"I am really looking forward to making my first start for London Welsh in the Aviva Premiership on Sunday.

"Having been given the opportunity by Lyn Jones and the club to play in the Premiership, it was both disappointing and frustrating to pick up an injury against Scarlets in pre-season.

"However, the boys have done really well in the first five games and now I just cannot wait to start playing my part with the rest of the team. I am also very excited about playing at the Kassam in front of the London Welsh supporters for the first time.

"Saracens are an extremely good side, we know that, but this is a great opportunity both for me and for London Welsh to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the Aviva Premiership."

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