TEAM NEWS | Saracens Men v Ealing Trailfinders (PRC - Rd 4)
Saracens Transition Coach James Tirrell is excited to see the growth of a young Saracens group across the remainder of the Premiership Rugby Cup campaign as they prepare to welcome Ealing Trailfinders to StoneX Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Men in Black return to Cup action having picked up two wins in the opening three rounds back in November. Once again taking the coaching reigns for this competition, James Tirrell and Rob Webber have made eight changes from the side that fell short at Sandy Park last weekend.
There’s a triple change in the front row, Eroni Mawi comes in for Phil Brantingham, James Hadfield steps in for the departed Kapeli Pifeleti and Alec Clarey starts in place of Fraser Balmain.
Kaden Pearce-Paul is rewarded with a start alongside Hugh Tizard in the second row.
They line up in front of Max Eke and captain Nathan Michelow on either flank, with loan signing Carwyn Tuipulotu rounding off the pack.
Gareth Simpson starts in place of Ivan Van Zyl, he is alongside Louie Johnson who made his first Premiership start for the club last weekend.
Olly Hartley remains at inside centre, and he’s partnered with Sam Spink in the midfield. Brandon Jackson and Tobias Elliott remain on either wing, with Tiff Eden joining the match day squad at full-back.
Amongst the replacements, there’s a potential debut for new signing Eoghan Clarke covering hooker. Barnaby Merrett is also in line for his first Premiership Cup appearance of the campaign.
Ahead of Ealing’s visit to StoneX, Tirrell is excited to reconnect with his group for the Premiership Cup block.
“There’s been a real buzz around training this week, as this competition allows players to step up and come up against physical sides like Ealing.
This group has been on an upward trend as of late, with many players gaining valuable minutes in the Premiership and Europe, so hopefully we can hit the ground running and make a good start in this block.”
Saracens Men team to play Ealing Trailfinders:
1 Eroni Mawi
2 James Hadfield
3 Alec Clarey
4 Kaden Pearce-Paul
5 Hugh Tizard
6 Max Eke
7 Nathan Michelow (c)
8 Carwyn Tuipulotu
9 Gareth Simpson
10 Louie Johnson
11 Brandon Jackson
12 Olly Hartley
13 Sam Spink
14 Tobias Elliott
15 Tiff Eden
Replacements:
16 Eoghan Clarke
17 Sam Crean
18 Harvey Beaton
19 Ollie Hoskins
20 Kennedy Sylvester
21 Barnaby Merrett
22 Charlie Bracken
23 Josh Hallett
