Saracens v Wasps: Teams

Saracens have made a host of changes for this weekend's clash against Wasps with England captain Steve Borthwick one of eight changes for the contest at Vicarage Road.

Borthwick is back to skipper the side after Six Nations duty and is restored to the pack along with front row trio Cencus Johnston, Fabio Ongaro and Matias Aguero and All Black lock Chris Jack.

In the back division, Brad Barritt and Kameli Ratuvou have shaken off knocks with Francisco Leonelli also returning after a shoulder injury.

Justin Melck earns a place on the bench and is in line for a debut, while Ben Jacobs is included in the 22 following his debut at Leicester last weekend.

However, Adam Powell is missing having sat out this week's training with an illness and Alex Goode remains sidelined after a head knock against Bath.

"We know that Wasps are a very physical side and they will come quickly out of the blocks on Sunday," said Sarries coach Richard Graham.

"Both teams go into the game on Sunday knowing they need a win to keep alive hopes of a play-off place and to maintain a challenge for Heineken Cup qualification for next season so I'm sure that will add some spice to the match."

England stars boost Wasps

Wasps are also boosted by the return of their international stars with England trio Riki Flutey, James Haskell and Simon Shaw all included in their starting line up.

Flutey will take his place along side Dominic Waldouck in the centres, with Josh Lewsey and Tom Voyce named on the wing and try scorer against Bristol, Lachlan Mitchell, dropping to the bench.

Haskell comes in for Serge Betsen, who is rested this weekend, and Shaw replaces Richard Birkett who also takes his place amongst the replacements.

Meanwhile, Pat Barnard comes back into the front row after overcoming a knee injury which has sidelined him for the last two games and young gun Joe Simpson starts at scrum-half with Eoin Reddan ruled out due to a thigh injury - Mark Robinson is named as cover on the bench.

Ian McGeechan's final change to the starting XV can be seen at number eight where Dan Leo replaces the injured John Hart.

"This is another must win game for us and it will be a tough challenge," stated McGeechan.

"The squad are bolstered by the internationals return this week and the unity and drive is again strengthened ahead of a tough run of three games in seven days. Saracens have shown some strong form of late and we know it will be a big game on Sunday."

Saracens: 15 Chris Wyles, 14 Francisco Leonelli, 13 Kameli Ratuvou, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 Rodd Penney, 10 Glen Jackson, 9 Justin Marshall, 8 Ben Skirving, 7 Wikus van Heerden, 6 Chris Jack, 5 Steve Borthwick (c), 4 Tom Ryder, 3 Cencus Johnston, 2 Fabio Ongaro, 1 Matias Aguero
Replacements: 16 Alex Walker, 17 Tom Mercey, 18 Justin Melck, 19 David Seymour, 20 Mickey Wilson, 21 Gordon Ross, 22 Ben Jacobs

London Wasps: 15 Mark Van Gisbergen, 14 Tom Voyce, 13 Dominic Waldouck, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Josh Lewsey, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Joe Simpson, 8 Dan Leo, 7 Tom Rees (C), 6 James Haskell, 5 George Skivington, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Pat Barnard, 2 Rob Webber,1 Tim Payne
Replacements: 16 Joe Ward, 17 Charlie Beech, 18 Richard Birkett, 19 Marty Veale, 20 Mark Robinson, 21 Jeremy Staunton, 22 Lachlan Mitchell