Saracens are in Aviva Premiership semi-final action against Gloucester at Vicarage Road on Sunday, kick off 2.30pm, and welcome back England internationals Steve Borthwick and Richard Wigglesworth to the starting line-up.
Both were on the bench in last weekend’s victory against Harlequins, but they return for the visit of Gloucester. Another international returning to the starting XV is Scottish back row Kelly Brown after being rested last week.
That means Andy Saull moves to the bench along with scrum half Neil de Kock while Hugh Vyvyan, who injured his ankle against Gloucester in the Premiership clash last month, returns to fitness.
“The excitement surrounding this game has been clearly evident around the training ground this week,” explained Director of Rugby Mark McCall. “It’s a match in which everyone wants to be involved and all have played their part in a fantastic week of preparation – from those behind the scenes to those who were not selected and of course, the 23 who will take the field.
“Gloucester are a very good side but the result of the game at Vicarage Road last month is irrelevant. We know that we will be facing a very different opponent, but it’s a challenge we are looking forward to and we can’t wait to get out on the pitch.”
Saracens line-up vs Gloucester
15 Alex Goode
14 David Strettle
13 Chris Wyles
12 Brad Barritt
11 James Short
10 Owen Farrell
9 Richard Wigglesworth
1 Matt Stevens
2 Schalk Brits
3 Carlos Nieto
4 Steve Borthwick ©
5 Mouritz Botha
6 Kelly Brown
7 Jacques Burger
8 Ernst Joubert
16 Jamie George
17 Rhys Gill
18 Petrus du Plessis
19 Hugh Vyvyan
20 Andy Saull
21 Neil de Kock
22 Nils Mordt
23 Noah Cato