TEAM NEWS | Saracens Men v Cardiff Rugby
Andy Christie says the drive for more silverware is at the forefront of his mind as Saracens welcome Cardiff Rugby to StoneX Stadium on Sunday for the Last 16 of the European Rugby Challenge Cup.
The Scotland international put in a sensational performance away in Brive last week as Sarries booked their place in the knockouts, and now Christie can’t wait for knockout rugby to take centre stage on Easter weekend.
Director of Rugby Mark McCall has once again named a strong side for the Anglo-Welsh clash as his team look to progress through to the Quarter Final, but they will have to overcome a Cardiff hurdle with includes a number of Wales regulars throughout the squad.
Richard Barrington, Kapeli Pifeleti and Alec Clarey start in the front-row, whilst Maro Itoje and Tim Swinson both return to the second-row to take charge of the lineout.
Christie will operate at blindside flanker, with Ben Earl at openside who also scored in Brive, and Jackson Wray will pack down at number eight.
Aled Davies returns at scrum-half to partner captain Owen Farrell, and Duncan Taylor is joined by Dom Morris in an exciting midfield.
Max Malins is back on the left wing, with Sean Maitland on the right and Alex Goode at full-back.
On the bench there is plenty of power to be called upon with the likes of Eroni Mawi and Billy Vunipola, and there will also be a 50th appearance for Manu Vunipola when he enters the action.
Christie is full of excitement for Sunday’s knockout match at StoneX.
“Cardiff are a strong side who have a lot of big names in their team. I’m excited for it, I’ve never played against them but hopefully we’re on it like we were last week.
We’re looking for a consistent performance for 80 minutes, and whenever there is a trophy on the line it goes without saying that you want to win.”
Tickets are still available and can be purchased here!
Saracens Men team to play Cardiff Rugby:
1 Richard Barrington
2 Kapeli Pifeleti
3 Alec Clarey
4 Maro Itoje
5 Tim Swinson
6 Andy Christie
7 Ben Earl
8 Jackson Wray
9 Aled Davies
10 Owen Farrell (c)
11 Max Malins
12 Duncan Taylor
13 Dom Morris
14 Sean Maitland
15 Alex Goode
Replacements:
16 Ethan Lewis
17 Eroni Mawi
18 Sam Wainwright
19 Theo McFarland
20 Billy Vunipola
21 Ivan van Zyl
22 Manu Vunipola
23 Rotimi Según
