TEAM NEWS | Saracens Men v Harlequins
Jamie George says there is a great feeling in the camp ahead of Saturday’s huge Gallagher Premiership Semi-Final against Harlequins at StoneX Stadium.
The hooker has been at the heartbeat of the club for over a decade and stressed that weeks such as these are why everyone plays the game.
The current champions head to North London for a mouthwatering clash at what is set to be a scorching StoneX with a place in the Twickenham final at stake.
Director of Rugby Mark McCall has named a side full of experience for the big occasion, with Sarries ready to take on their neighbours on Saturday afternoon.
Mako Vunipola, Jamie George and Vincent Koch start in a powerful front-row with Maro Itoje making his 150th appearance for the club in the second-row, and he will be accompanied by Tim Swinson.
Theo McFarland returns to blindside flanker, with Ben Earl at openside following his Gallagher Player of the Season Award on Tuesday evening. Billy Vunipola, as ever, will be at the base of the scrum.
Aled Davies and captain Owen Farrell will look to manage the game as half-backs, with Nick Tompkins and Elliot Daly once again combining in the midfield.
The top try-scorer in the league Max Malins will be on the right, with Sean Maitland back on the left and Alex Goode at full-back.
There is plenty of big-game experience on the bench, with Nick Isiekwe, Alex Lozowski and Duncan Taylor all ready to make their mark when needed.
George spoke passionately about what this fixture means to the club.
“This is something we’ve been aspiring to for the last 18 months. It’s where we want to be and it’s where we feel most comfortable.
Intensity of training has really improved and there’s a good feeling in the camp as generally these games tend to bring the best out in us.
We're aware of how important the game is, how much we want it and the history of the game. We’ve been building towards something, and now it’s time to show up.”
Saracens Men team to play Harlequins:
1 Mako Vunipola
2 Jamie George
3 Vincent Koch
4 Maro Itoje
5 Tim Swinson
6 Theo McFarland
7 Ben Earl
8 Billy Vunipola
9 Aled Davies
10 Owen Farrell (c)
11 Sean Maitland
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Elliot Daly
14 Max Malins
15 Alex Goode
Replacements:
16 Kapeli Pifeleti
17 Eroni Mawi
18 Alec Clarey
19 Nick Isiekwe
20 Andy Christie
21 Ivan van Zyl
22 Duncan Taylor
23 Alex Lozowski
