Borthwick, Owen in Saracen debuts
Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:56
Saracens begin their 2008/09 Premiership campaign against Harlequins at Twickenham on Saturday, with coach Eddie Jones handing full debuts to Steve Borthwick and Michael Owen.
The two new summer signings have both been selected in the starting XV in what promises to be a fantastic festival of rugby at the London Double Header with Saracens playing Harlequins at 17.00 (16.00 GMT) and London Irish taking on Wasps at 14.30 (13.30 GMT)
England captain Borthwick will lead Saracens from the second row where he is partnered by Hugh Vyvyan. The back row is made up of Chris Jack, Dave Seymour and Welsh international Owen at No.8.
"I'm really excited about Saturday and I couldn't think of a better way to start the season than at Twickenham," explained Borthwick.
"The Double Header is a fantastic event and after all the hard work of pre-season, I can't wait for the action to begin. I know our fans will be there in force to cheer us on and it should be a great occasion.
"We've got a very tough game against Harlequins. They have some quality players in their side and it should be a hard-fought contest," he added.
In the backline, there is a familiar look about the halfback pairing of Neil de Kock and Glen Jackson while Dan Scarbrough, Francisco Leonelli and Kameli Ratuvou are given the nod in the back three. Richard Haughton (hip-flexor) and Brent Russell (shoulder) both miss out due to injury, although could return to action next week.
Jones, in his first Premiership match in charge of Saracens since 2006, and since re-joining the club after success with South Africa at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, says selection was difficult.
"We faced some tough selection choices following all the hard work the players have put in over pre-season," explained Jones.
"We've worked hard to improve as a team, as individuals and we have moved forward as a group, but the real test starts on Saturday against Harlequins and everyone is itching to get out on the field and get the season underway.
"We've watched Quins a few times in pre-season and traditionally they have been a side that likes to play off opposition ball and that is something we will have to concentrate on. They are an improving side and well coached by Dean Richards with a number of young players coming through.
"From our perspective, Steve Borthwick and Michael Owen have quickly settled into the team and have added great strength and depth to the squad. Both have already demonstrated their leadership abilities on the pitch.
"Chris Jack has been one of the best second rows in the world for many years, but we felt he needed a challenge to improve as a player so he has been selected in the back row after featuring in that position in pre-season. It's not necessarily a permanent switch, but it's something we believe will help the composition of the team and also allow us to get the best out of him.
"With Jack and Owen both being capable of switching to the second row, we've decided to go with Ben Skirving and Andy Saull on the bench as back row cover which is particularly tough on Kris Chesney, but we have good competition in the squad and that will serve us well over the season," added Jones.
Saracens: 15 Dan Scarbrough, 14 Francisco Leonelli, 13 Kevin Sorrell, 12 Adam Powell, 11 Kameli Ratuvou, 10 Glen Jackson, 9 Neil de Kock, 8 Michael Owen, 7 David Seymour, 6 Chris Jack, 5 Hugh Vyvyan, 4 Steve Borthwick (captain), 3 Cencus Johnston, 2 Matt Cairns, 1 Nick Lloyd.
Replacements: 16 Fabio Ongaro, 17 Cobus Visagie, 18 Andy Saull, 19 Ben Skirving, 20 Moses Rauluni, 21 Gordon Ross, 22 Rodd Penney.
Date: Saturday, September 6
Venue: Twickenham, London
Kick-off: 17.00 (16.00 GMT)
Referee: Wayne Barnes
Touch
judges: Stuart Terheege, Alan Biggs
Assessor: Tony Spreadbury
TMO: John Burtenshaw
With thanks to guinnesspremiership.com
