Saracens v Leeds: Teams
Centre Kevin Sorrell returns for Saracens after two months out because of an ankle problem.
Last Updated: 30/03/08 2:47pm
Centre Kevin Sorrell returns for Saracens after two months out because of an ankle problem.
The 31-year-old will partner Adam Powell in midfield after the England under-20 back earned a recall, so Andy Farrell drops to the bench.
Up front, Kris Chesney moves to lock in place of the injured Chris Jack, with Paul Gustard packing down in the back row. There are also starts for hooker Matt Cairns and prop Cencus Johnston.
Andy Kyriacou has been ruled out for the rest of the season because of a knee injury while Richard Haughton is rested having featured in all but five of the North London's club's matches this season.
"Sunday's game is vital if we are to keep up a challenge in the Premiership," said Director of Rugby Alan Gaffney. "Adam Powell has been battling it out with Andy Farrell at inside centre all season so this week is his opportunity. Injuries have forced us into a few other changes but it's great to have Kevin Sorrell back in the line-up.
"Everyone is fully aware of what needs to be done and also the dangers that Leeds possess. We've played them twice this season but those results will count for nothing.
"Their recent results and performances have been good and that is the sign of a team who have found their feet in the Premiership after a difficult start. One of the features of those recent games is the fact they have made good starts to matches - that is one thing we cannot allow them to on Sunday."
Heavy price
Leeds paid a heavy price for their victory over Newcastle last Friday night, with four players - Alberto di Bernardo, Lee Blackett, Tommy McGee and Jon Dunbar - joining an already lengthy casualty list.
Twelve players are now be unavailable due to injury as the Yorkshiremen battle for Premiership survival. James Brooks starts at fly-half for the visitors.
Saracens: 15 Brent Russell; 14 Francisco Leonelli, 13 Kevin Sorrell, 12 Adam Powell, 11 Kameli Ratuvou; 10 Glen Jackson, 9 Neil de Kock (capt); 1 Nick Lloyd, 2 Matt Cairns, 3 Cencus Johnston; 4 Kris Chesney, 5 Hugh Vyvyan; 6 Paul Gustard, 7 Don Barrell; 8 Ben Skirving.
Replacements: 16 Fabio Ongaro, 17 Cobus Visagie, 18 Tom Ryder, 19 David Seymour, 20 Moses Rauluni, 21 Andy Farrell, 22 Dan Scarbrough.
Leeds Carengie: 15 Leigh Hinton; 14 Apo Satala, 13 Rob Vickerman, 12 John Holtby, 11 Tom Biggs; 10 James Brooks, 9 Joe Bedford; 1 Mike MacDonald, 2 Rob Rawlinson, 3 Adam Hopcroft; 4 Stuart Hooper (c), 5 Erik Lund; 6 Kearnan Myall, 7 Hendre Fourie; 8 Rhys Oakley.
Replacements: 16 Fosi Pala'amo, 17 James Parkes, 18 Mark Lock, 19 Pablo Bouza, 20 Darren Edwards, 21 Jon Goodridge, 22 Tom Rock.