Clermont v Saracens: Teams
Former All Black Sione Lauaki has been called in to the Clermont side for the Heineken Cup opener against Saracens on Saturday.
Last Updated: 08/10/10 12:50pm
Former All Black Sione Lauaki has been called in to the Clermont side for the Heineken Cup opener against Saracens on Saturday.
Lauaki will start at No.8 in a powerful looking back-row alongside Alexandre Lapandry and Julien Bonnaire.
Thomas Domingo and Ti'i Paulo start in the front row, while Mario Ledesma is named on the bench.
In the backs captain Aurélien Rougerie will don the No.13 jersey with Julien Malzieu starting on the wing.
Saracens boss Brendan Venter believes the clash will be a good examination for his side.
"Clermont are one of the best sides in Europe and we are relishing the chance to test ourselves against the French champions," said Venter.
Saracens welcome Alex Goode back into the side after a shoulder injury, while Andy Saull makes his first start of the season.
Saull will partner Jacques Burger and Kelly Brown in the back-row, with Ernst Joubert named on the bench.
Carlos Nieto also starts at tight-head prop, while in the back s Brad Barritt and Adam Powell return to form the centre partnership.
Clermont Auvergne: 15 Anthony Floch , 14 Napolioni Nalaga, 13 Aurelien Rougerie (c), 12 Marius Joubert , 11 Julien Malzieu , 10 Brock James, 9 Morgan Parra , 8 Sione Lauaki, 7 Alexandre Lapandry, 6 Julien Bonnaire, 5 Thibault Priva, 4 Jamie Cudmore , 3 Davit Zirakashvili, 2 Ti'i Paulo, 1 Thomas Domingo.
Replacements:16 Mario Ledesma, 17 Lionel Faure, 18 Martin Scelzo, 19 Jason White, 20 Elvis Vermeulen, 21 Kevin Senio, 22 Tasesa Lavea, 23 Gavin Williams
Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 David Strettle, 13 Adam Powell, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 Chris Wyles, 10 Derick Hougaard, 9 Richard Wigglesworth, 8 Kelly Brown, 7 Andy Saull, 6 Jacques Burger, 5 Hugh Vyvyan, 4 Steve Borthwick (c), 3 Carlos Nieto, 2 Schalk Brits 1 Deon Carstens.
Replacements:16 Jamie George, 17 Matt Parr, 18 Petrus du Plessis, 19 Mouritz Botha, 20 Ernst Joubert, 21 Neil de Kock, 22 Kameli Ratuvou, 23 Noah Cato.