Saracens v Leeds: Teams

Saracens will be buoyed by the return of skipper Steve Borthwick for the clash against Leeds on Sunday.

The 31-year-old replaces Mouritz Botha in the second row, having spent the past four weeks on the sidelines.

Saracens also welcome Richard Wigglesworth, Michael Tagicakibau and James Short into the starting XV, while Andy Saull replaces the injured Jacques Burger.

And despite facing the Premiership's bottom club, director of rugby Mark McCall insists there is no room for complacency.

"Before last weekend's game at Northampton, we had nine matches remaining in the regular Premiership season - or nine projects as we are thinking of it," explained McCall.

"Northampton was project one, Sunday's game against Leeds is project two and we have had a great week of preparation.

"Leeds are a very well organised side who will fight for everything and we need to be ready for that. They have a very good set piece with a number of talented players - they will work hard, but we must work harder."

Boost

Leeds will have been boosted by the return of hooker Steve Thompson and flanker Hendre Fourie from England duty.

The duo go straight back in the starting XV, with coach Neil Back making a further two changes.

Mike McDonald and new boy Adrian Jarvis both start, with Gareth Hardy and Ceiron Thomas dropping to the bench.

And Back said: Back said: "Your next game is your biggest game.

"We are not thinking about next week, we are thinking about Saracens at the weekend."

"Andy and I came to the club with a vision over three years, and we are not quite there, but we knew there would be changes and no-one is guaranteed to be here for that journey.

"We have lost players, and introduced others. I don't feel any more pressure than I did before the (Key) announcement.

"It's a collective effort. Players and management are clear about their roles, we are looking forward to the game and that's where our focus is."

Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 James Short, 13 Michael Tagicakibau, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 Chris Wyles, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Richard Wigglesworth,8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Andy Saull, 6 Justin Melck, 5 Hayden Smith, 4 Steve Borthwick, 3 Carlos Nieto, 2 Jamie George, 1 Rhys Gill.
Replacements: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 Jared Saunders, 18 Matt Stevens, 19 Hugh Vyvyan, 20 Jackson Wray, 21 Neil de Kock, 22 Rodd Penney, 23 Noah Cato

Leeds Carnegie: 15 Leigh Hinton, 14 Lee Blackett, 13 Henry Faafili, 12 Scott Barrow, 11 Michael Stephenson, 10 Adrian Jarvis, 9 Warren Fury, 8 Alfie Tooala, 7 Hendre Fourie, 6 Kearnan Myall, 5 Marco Wentzel, 4 James Craig, 3 Phil Swainston, 2 Steve Thompson, 1 Mike MacDonald.
Replacements:16. Phil Nilsen,17 Gareth Hardy, 18 Juan Gomez, 19 Daniel Browne, 20 Jacob Rowan, 21 Scott Mathie, 22 Ceiron Thomas, 23 Luther Burrell.