TEAM NEWS | Saracens Men v Gloucester Rugby

Director of Rugby Mark McCall says Saracens Men are facing dangerous opposition on Saturday as they prepare to welcome the in-form Gloucester to StoneX Stadium. 

The Men in Black, who are currently second in the table take on the Cherry and Whites who sit fourth in what promises to be an enthralling encounter. 

There are five changes to the starting XV from the side that started 2022 in sensational style against Northampton, with three up front and two in the backline.

Mako Vunipola and captain Jamie George are joined by Vincent Koch in the front row who has returned to the squad after isolating with COVID-19. 

Maro Itoje remains in the second-row, and Tim Swinson comes back in to the XV with Nick Isiekwe moving to the back-row to accommodate him. Ben Earl and Andy Christie complete the pack which has been functioning well in recent weeks. 

Ivan van Zyl and Alex Goode continue their half-back partnership which guided the team to victory at Franklin’s Gardens, and Dom Morris comes in to the midfield alongside Alex Lozowski. 

Elliot Daly stays on the left wing, with Rotimi Segun starting on the right and Max Malins at full-back. 

On the bench Theo McFarland will be looking to make a big impact, and the back-line is well covered with Ruben de Haas, Nick Tompkins and Alex Lewington all ready to enter the action. 

McCall knows his team will need to be at the top of their game on Saturday.

“Gloucester are a really strong team with good fundamentals. Their pack is strong with a good scrum, line-out and driving maul. Their half-backs are playing well and they have an exciting back line.”

He continued: “They are a dangerous side. This will be our sixth home game in the league and if we can win it will leave us in a good position.”

Saracens Men team to play Gloucester: 

1 Mako Vunipola

2 Jamie George (c)

3 Vincent Koch

4 Maro Itoje

5 Tim Swinson

6 Nick Isiekwe

7 Ben Earl 

8 Andy Christie

9 Ivan van Zyl

10 Alex Goode

11 Elliot Daly

12 Dom Morris

13 Alex Lozowski

14 Rotimi Segun

15 Max Malins

Replacements:

16 Tom Woolstencroft

17 Eroni Mawi

18 Gareth Milasinovich

19 Callum Hunter-Hill

20 Theo McFarland

21 Ruben de Haas 

22 Nick Tompkins

23 Alex Lewington