Saracens v London Irish: Teams
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall insists his side are relishing the challenge of tackling London Irish on Sunday.
Last Updated: 02/12/11 4:35pm
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall insists his side are relishing the challenge of tackling London Irish on Sunday.
The Exiles currently lie six points behind second-placed Saracens in the standings - and McCall is aware of the threat posed by Toby Booth's side.
"Under the guidance of Toby Booth and Mike Catt, the Exiles have shown once again this season that they are a dangerous side with talented players across the pitch and we must be at our best - but we are really looking forward to it after an excellent week of preparation," said McCall.
Saracens have recalled Adam Powell, Matt Stevens, Joe Maddock and Jackson Wray to their starting line-up - however Brad Barritt (calf) and Charlie Hodgson (knee) are both sidelined.
London Irish have made four changes to the side that beat London Wasps last time out.
Alex Corbisiero, Paulica Ion and Chris Hala'ufia come into the pack, while the solitary switch in the backs sees Dan Bowden start at fly-half.
"We are under no illusions of the task ahead of us this Sunday," said Irish boss Booth.
"We will approach it as we do all other games. It is important to put in a positive performance, make the most of every opportunity and put in 100 per cent effort for 80 minutes."
Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 Joe Maddock, 13 Chris Wyles, 12 Adam Powell, 11 James Short, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Ben Spencer, 8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Andy Saull, 6 Jackson Wray, 5 Mouritz Botha, 4 Steve Borthwick (c), 3 Carlos Nieto, 2 John Smit, 1 Matt Stevens.
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Rhys Gill, 18 Petrus du Plessis, 19 George Kruis, 20 Kelly Brown, 21 Luke Baldwin, 22 Duncan Taylor, 23 David Strettle.
London Irish: 15 Tom Homer, 14 Topsy Ojo, 13 Joe Ansbro, 12 Jonathan Spratt, 11 Adam Thompstone, 10 Dan Bowden (c), 9 Paul Hodgson, 8 Chris Hala'ufia 7 Jamie Gibson, 6 Declan Danaher, 5 Matt Garvey, 4 Nick Kennedy, 3 Paulica Ion, 2 James Buckland, 1 Alex Corbisiero.
Replacements: 16 David Paice, 17 Clarke Dermody, 18 Faan Rautenbach, 19 Bryn Evans, 20 Ofisa Treviranus, 21 Guy Armitage, 22 Adrian Jarvis, 23 Darren Allinson