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Itoje fitness boost ahead of Six Nations
With Eddie Jones set to name his England squad ahead of the Guinness Six Nations next Thursday, he was given a major boost with the return of Maro Itoje.
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The 24-year-old picked up a knee injury whilst on international duty with England in November, chipping his patella.
The second row missed five matches, including Sarries’ European double header with Cardiff Blues.
He returns from injury to start for Saracens against Lyon in the Heineken Champions Cup on Sunday.
Saracens are top of Pool 3 with four wins from four and a bonus point victory would almost certainly guarantee a place in the knockout stage.
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Itoje’s international and club teammate Jamie George is reinstated at hooker after being rested last weekend and Jackson Wray is the third and final change in the pack, coming into the back row at six.
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Saracens have made just one alteration to their backline, which sees Scotland international Sean Maitland replace David Strettle on the wing.
Saracens team to face Lyon in the Heineken Champions Cup on Sunday 13th January:
15. Alex Goode
14. Sean Maitland
13. Nick Tompkins
12. Alex Lozowski
11. Liam Williams
10. Owen Farrell (c)
9. Richard Wigglesworth
1. Mako Vunipola
2. Jamie George
3. Vincent Koch
4. Maro Itoje
5. George Kruis
6. Jackson Wray
7. Schalk Burger
8. Billy Vunipola
Replacements:
16. Christopher Tolofua
17. Richard Barrington
18. Christian Judge
19. Will Skelton
20. Ben Earl
21. Ben Spencer
22. Marcelo Bosch
23. David Strettle
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