Farrell debut put on hold

Andrew Farrell's first appearance in rugby union will not come in Saracens' clash with Ulster.

Saracens v Ulster

Heineken Cup, Vicarage Road, Saturday December 17, KO 13.00PM, live on Sky Sports 2

The return of Andrew Farrell has been put on hold for yet another week, after a reported back spasm hindered his inclusion in Saracens' clash with Ulster.

The former Wigan rugby league star had expected to feature at the start of the week, but it is believed that he suffered a minor setback - making Sarries' Premiership clash with London Irish a more realistic debut date.

Meanwhile, former All Black Taine Randell has proved his fitness and he will take his place on the bench for a match that neither side can afford to lose.

The only change to the starting XV is an enforced one, as injury rules out Kevin Sorrell to make way for the returning Ben Johnston.

Head coach Mike Ford admits he is looking forward to Saturday's contest, which should determine who will challenge Biarritz for top spot in Pool four.

"It should be an exciting game. Both sides will be looking to play football and with the table as it currently stands, bonus points will start to become important, but the first thing we have to concentrate on is to win," stated the Saracens coach.

"We know that Ulster are a very good side, but it's a game we are looking forward to."

Ulster will take an unchanged side to Vicarage Road on Friday night, after flanker Neil McMillan confirmed himself fit to play against Saracens.

The influential number seven only managed 40 minutes of Ulster's 19-10 victory a week ago, and initial fears suspected he had broken a rib.

However, scans have revealed otherwise, and McMillan is fit to resume his partnership with Neil Best and Roger Wilson in the back row.

Ulster's backs have a creative look to them as Kevin Maggs combines with Andrew Trimble in the midfield, whilst Bryn Cunningham and David Humphreys will look to influence the game with the boot.

Mark McCall's only alteration comes on the bench, where Justin Fitzpatrick makes a slightly unexpected early return from a hand injury.

Saracens team: 15 Dan Scarbrough, 14 Paul Bailey, 13 Thomas Castaignede, 12 Ben Johnston, 11 Tevita Vaikona, 10 Glen Jackson, 9 Kyran Bracken, 1 Kevin Yates, 2 Shane Byrne, 3 Cobus Visagie, 4 Simon Raiwalui, 5 Kris Chesney, 6 Hugh Vyvyan, 7 Ben Russell, 8 Ben Skirving

Replacements: Matt Cairns, Ben Broster, Taine Randell, David Seymour, Alan Dickens, Mark Bartholomeusz, Ben J Russell

Ulster team: 15 - Bryn Cunningham; 14 - Tommy Bowe; 13 - Kevin Maggs; 12 - Andrew Trimble; 11 - Paul Steinmetz; 10 - David Humphreys; 9 - Kieran Campbell; 1 - Bryan Young; 2 - Rory Best; 3 - Simon Best (Captain); 4 - Justin Harrison; 5 - Matt McCullough; 6 - Neil Best; 7 - Neil McMillan, 8 - Roger Wilson

Replacements: 16 - Nigel Brady; 17 - Justin Fitzparick; 18 - Ryan Caldwell; 19 - Stephen Ferris; 20 - Isaac Boss; 21 - Adam Larkin; 22 - James Topping