Bristol v Saracens: Teams
Saracens have a big-name trio returning as they bid to make the EDF Energy Cup semi-finals against eliminated Bristol.
Last Updated: 31/10/08 4:08pm
Saracens have a big-name trio returning as they bid to make the EDF Energy Cup semi-finals against already-eliminated Bristol.
Glen Jackson, Hugh Vyvyan and Michael Owen all return to the Sarries starting XV after missing the 33-19 win over Northampton last weekend.
The win against the Saints means that Saracens head to Bristol for the final Pool D match still capable of reaching the last four of the competition.
Lock Tom Ryder and winger Rodd Penney also return to the starting line-up after being on the bench against Northampton, while England under-20 trio Alex Goode, Noah Cato and Andy Saull all keep their places.
Although the club have brought in Waratahs centre Ben Jacobs, Sharks centre Bradley Barritt and Blue Bulls back-row and World Cup winner Wikus Van Heerden, all three have arrived too late to be considered for the game.
Complicated
With a complicated formula to work out who makes the semis, Sarries director of rugby Eddie Jones is merely focusing on winning the game first.
Despite being knocked out of the tournament against the Scarlets last week, Bristol boss Richard Hill has named an experienced side in a bid to grab a much-needed victory.
Hill's men have just one win in their last 15 games and with no pressure on the outcome of the game he is hoping for a better display at home on Saturday.
Mark Regan comes in at the centre of the scrum and his vast experience will be added to by Roy Winters and Nathan Budgett.
Dan Ward-Smith joins skipper Joe El Abd and Matt Salter in a powerful looking back row, with Bristol looking to improve on their record of just one win in six against Sarries.
Adrian Jarvis will direct be directing operations at fly-half for the game, while David Lemi starts on the left wing.
Bristol: 15 Vunga Lilo, 14 Tom Arscott, 13 Neil Brew, 12 Luke Eves, 11 David Lemi, 10 Adrian Jarvis, 9 Graeme Beveridge, 8 Dan Ward-Smith, 7 Joe El Abd (c), 6 Matt Salter, 5 Nathan Budgett, 4 Roy Winters, 3 Jason Hobson 2 Mark Regan, 1 Alex Clarke.
Replacements: 16 Scott Linklater, 17 Darren Crompton, 18 Robert Sidoli, 19 Redford Pennycook, 20 Haydn Thomas, 21 Chris Ashwin, 22 Mat Turner.
Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 Rodd Penney, 13 Adam Powell, 12 Andy Farrell, 11 Noah Cato, 10 Glen Jackson, 9 Moses Rauluni, 8 Michael Owen, 7 Andy Saull, 6 Ben Skirving, 5 Hugh Vyvyan, 4 Tom Ryder, 3 Cobus Visagie, 2 Matt Cairns, 1 Nick Lloyd.
Replacements: 16 Alex Walker, 17 Tom Mercey, 18 Kris Chesney, 19 Don Barrell, 20 Micky Wilson, 21 Kevin Sorrell, 22 Ed Thrower