Saracens v Harlequins: Teams
Saracens chief Eddie Jones has handed full debuts to summer signings Steve Borthwick and Michael Owen.
Last Updated: 05/09/08 3:38pm
Saracens chief Eddie Jones has handed full debuts to summer signings Steve Borthwick and Michael Owen.
England skipper Borthwick will lead from the second row where he partners Hugh Vyvyan, with Chris Jack, Dave Seymour and Welsh international Owen behind him.
There is a familiar look in the back line with a half-back pairing of Neil de Kock and Glen Jackson while Dan Scarbrough, Francisco Leonelli and Kameli Ratuvou are given the nod in the back three.
Richard Haughton (hip-flexor) and Brent Russell (shoulder) both miss out, although could return to action next week.
"We faced some tough selection choices following all the hard work the players have put in over pre-season," explained Jones.
"We've watched Quins a few times in pre-season and traditionally they have been a side that likes to play off opposition ball and that is something we will have to concentrate on.
"From our perspective, Steve Borthwick and Michael Owen have quickly settled into the team and have added great strength and depth to the squad. Both have already demonstrated their leadership abilities on the pitch.
"Chris Jack has been one of the best second rows in the world for many years, but we felt he needed a challenge to improve as a player so he has been selected in the back row after featuring in that position in pre-season.
"It's not necessarily a permanent switch, but it's something we believe will help the composition of the team and also allow us to get the best out of him.
Evans debut
"With Jack and Owen both being capable of switching to the second row, we've decided to go with Ben Skirving and Andy Saull on the bench as back row cover which is particularly tough on Kris Chesney, but we have good competition in the squad and that will serve us well over the season."
Harlequins fans will welcome the return of some familiar faces but also look forward to seeing the club's new signings making their Guinness Premiership debuts in the Quins colours.
Quins' highest profile signing over the summer, New Zealand fly-half Nick Evans, will put on the Quins number 10 jersey for his first Premiership match and first XV match at the Twickenham Stadium.
Other new signings, Waisea Luveniyali and Epi Taione will start on the bench.
Director of rugby, Dean Richards, is looking forward to getting the Guinness Premiership campaign underway.
"With an encouraging pre-season behind us, it is good to be back here at Twickenham," he said.
"For every player, to run out onto the pitch at Twickenham is a memorable experience. The London double-header is always a great occasion, and we open our campaign against a star-studded side."
Saracens: 15 Dan Scarbrough, 14 Francisco Leonelli, 13 Kevin Sorrell, 12 Adam Powell, 11 Kameli Ratuvou, 10 Glen Jackson, 9 Neil de Kock, 8 Michael Owen, 7 David Seymour, 6 Chris Jack, 5 Hugh Vyvyan, 4 Steve Borthwick (c), 3 Cencus Johnston, 2 Matt Cairns, 1 Nick Lloyd,
Replacements: 16 Fabio Ongaro, 17 Cobus Visagie, 18 Andy Saull, 19 Ben Skirving, 20 Moses Rauluni, 21 Gordon Ross, 22 Rodd Penney.
Harlequins: 15 Mike Brown, 14 David Strettle, 13 Gonzalo Tiesi, 12 Jordan Turner-Hall, 11 Ugo Monye, 10 Nick Evans, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter; 1 Ceri Jones, 2 Tani Fuga, 3 Mike Ross, 4 Ollie Kohn, 5 George Robson, 6 Chris Robshaw, 7 Will Skinner.
Replacements: 16 Aston Croall, 17 John Brooks, 18 Jim Evans, 19 Tom Guest, 20 Andy Gomarsall, 21 Waisea Luveniyali, 22 Epi Taione.