Preview: Worcester v Saracens

[Paddywack_uk]

Preview: Worcester v Saracens
.26th November 2009 12:21

 
Steve Borthwick: Back to lead Saracens


...Saracens travel to Sixways on Friday looking to make it nine from nine in the Guinness Premiership, and welcome back captain Steve Borthwick.



Borthwick returns from international duty to start against Worcester Warriors with Chris Wyles (USA) and Moses Rauluni (Fiji) also back from action with their respective countries to be in the Saracens squad.


In the only other change from Sunday's win over Wasps, Richard Haughton returns to the wing.


"We know that going to Sixways is always a tough test," said Defence and Forwards Coach Paul Gustard.


"They have some very good players in the likes of Chris Latham, Sam Tuitupou, Pat Sanderson and others. They also have a very strong forward pack so we know we are in for a tough game. But the guys are really looking forward to the challenge and they know that we have to increase our effort levels week on week to keep getting the results we want.


"Having Steve Borthwick back in the side is fantastic. I've been lucky enough to play with some great captains in my career, but his leadership, commitment and dedication are second to none and it's great to have him back in the side.


"Chris Wyles has been in great form this season and, as anyone who knows him, Moses Rauluni is a great character to have around the club and also a terrific player."


Kevin Barrett misses the game after joining up with the England 7s squad for the IRB Series in Dubai and Fabio Ongaro is still away with Italy. Matias Aguero has returned from action with Italy but has a knock which will keep him out of action for a few weeks. Neil de Kock misses the game with an ankle injury but should return within two weeks.


Meanwhile, Worcester hooker Chris Fortey is set to join the exclusive '200 Club' in the Guinness Premiership after he was named among Worcester Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock's replacements.


Ruddock has selected the same starting line-up that drew 12-12 on home soil with Bath just seven days earlier as he looks for Warriors to secure a third home win of the campaign.


Fortey will move to fifth in the all-time league standings for games played if he does get on the park.


"Chris is about to hit the 200 Club in the Guinness Premiership and this is yet another example of the durability, professionalism and skill of this Warrior over an extended period," said Ruddock.


The only change to the 23-man squad comes on the bench where back row James Collins replaces Jake Abbott, currently away on England Sevens duty in Dubai.


Ahead of the game, Ruddock has admitted 'it doesn't get much bigger than this' as his team face the undefeated league leaders.


However, he insists the excitement in the Sixways squad could not be any greater as Warriors prepare to challenge that proud record.


"It would have been good to get four points last week and we felt on balance we just deserved to edge it against Bath. Ultimately it's gone now, it's our fault we didn't nail it down," he said.


"Now we have got to learn from that and face a really big challenge against Saracens.


"They are undefeated and very difficult to break down. They are not only top of the league but they have also beaten the world champions, South Africa, so it doesn't get much bigger than this.


"But it's a game we are all quite excited about and can't wait for the game to come around."


Ruddock admits Saracens have fast become the experts of putting pressure on teams to make mistakes and fully expects his side to face a big examination under the Sixways floodlights.


"They are the masters of putting the ball in the corners and squeezing you until you give away points or field position. It will be a tough day for our back three, they will see plenty of the ball," he said.


"But I'm encouraging my backs to run the ball, especially off first phase because that is the time when most of the forwards are in one huddle, be it a scrum or lineout.


"The only person that will be missing for us is Jake Abbott who is away with England Sevens, which is great news for us and great news for him," added Ruddock.


"He is another one of our Academy prospects that has achieved international honours. It's fantastic news so close to Alex Grove, who is set for his third cap for Scotland against Argentina this weekend."


Form: Worcester's 22-8 defeat of Saracens the last time they met ended a three game losing run against the Fez boys. In five previous visits to Sixways, Saracens have won on two occasions. Worcester Warriors are winless in their last four encounters in the Guinness Premiership since their 24-18 victory at home to Sale on 26 September. The Warriors' only home defeat in their last four Premiership games at Sixways was 22-26 to Harlequins on 24 October. Saracens are still going strong at the top of the Guinness Premiership table with a perfect eight wins from eight matches, although this is despite scoring just 13 tries so far and they are yet to record a bonus point. Sarries' last away loss in the Premiership was 18-33 at Bath on 25 April.


Worcester: 15 Chris Latham, 14 Marcel Garvey, 13 Dale Rasmussen, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Miles Benjamin, 10 Willie Walker, 9 Ryan Powell, 8 Kai Horstmann, 7 Pat Sanderson (c), 6 Tom Wood, 5 Craig Gillies, 4 Greg Rawlinson, 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Callum Black.
Replacements: 16 Adam Black, 17 Chris Fortey, 18 Olivier Sourgens, 19 Graham Kitchener, 20 James Collins, 21 Jonny Arr, 22 Calum MacRae, 23 Rico Gear.


Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 Richard Haughton, 13 Kameli Ratuvou, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 Chris Wyles, 10 Derick Hougaard, 9 Justin Marshall, 8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Andy Saull, 6 Wikus van Heerden, 5 Tom Ryder, 4 Steve Borthwick (c), 3 Carlos Nieto, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Rhys Gill.
Replacements: 16 Ethienne Reynecke, 17 Kasiano Lealamanua, 18 Richard Skuse, 19 Hugh Vyvyan, 20 Don Barrell, 21 Moses Rauluni, 22 Adam Powell, 23 Rodd Penney.


Referee: Martin Fox