Joubert's Sarries ready for Twickers
Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:29
Ernst Joubert's Saracens have declared themselves ready for the Twickenham Double Header, where they will meet London Irish in the opening round of the new Aviva Premiership season.
Alex Goode starts the game at flyhalf and there are also full debuts for off-season signings Richard Wigglesworth and Kelly Brown.
Carlos Nieto, who missed the second half of last season through injury, returns to the starting line-up at prop, while Ernst Joubert again captains the side from No.8.
Deon Carstens, another new signing (and another South African in the mix), is named on the bench along with England Under-20 second row George Kruis, who will make his Premiership debut should he take the field.
Meanwhile, former England captain Steve Borthwick has returned to full training, while David Strettle and Neil de Kock miss the game with small knocks, although it is hoped that all three will be available for selection next week.
Speaking ahead of the game, Director of Rugby Brendan Venter said: "Everyone in the squad is excited about the start of the new season and what better way to begin than in front of a crowd of more than 70,000 at Twickenham.
"We've had a good pre-season and now we can't wait for the action to begin.
"We face London Irish on Saturday and they have a talented squad of players under the direction of Toby Booth and I am sure they will be challenging for honours at the end of the season."
Saracens: 15 Chris Wyles, 14 Noah Cato, 13 Adam Powell, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 Michael Tagicakibau, 10 Alex Goode, 9 Richard Wigglesworth, 8 Ernst Joubert (captain), 7 Jacques Burger, 6 Kelly Brown, 5 Mouritz Botha, 4 Hugh Vyvyan, 3 Carlos Nieto, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Rhys Gill.
Replacements: 16 Ethienne Reynecke, 17 Deon Carstens, 18 Petrus du Plessis, 19 George Kruis, 20 Justin Melck, 21 Kevin Barrett, 22 Derick Hougaard, 23 Kameli Ratuvou.
Date:
Saturday, September 4
Venue: Twickenham, London
Kick-off: 14.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Small
Assistant referees: Stuart Teerhage, Andrew Pearce
TMO: Geoff Warren
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