1
Six Nations statement: Tom Curry 'Tunnelgate' incident
9
{{item.n}}
Maro Itoje returns for landmark match as Saracens look to avenge loss
By Josh Raisey
Saracens have recalled England and British & Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje as one of six changes to the starting XV that suffered their first loss of the season last week against Harlequins for their Gallagher PREM round four clash with Sale Sharks on Saturday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Itoje is the latest Lion to make his return and will come straight into the second-row to captain the side in what will be his 200th appearance for the club.
The starting XV will also welcome flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez for the first time this season following his exploits with Argentina in the Rugby Championship.
There are a further four changes made by Mark McCall to the XV that fell 20-14 to their London rivals at the Stoop on Sunday, with scrum-half Charlie Bracken and 19-year-old winger Noah Caluori both making their first starts in the PREM.
The final two changes to the squad come in the front-row, with both Eroni Mawi and Jamie George starting. The match at the StoneX will be the hooker’s first start of the season.
“Playing 200 matches for this great club means a lot to me and my family,” Itoje said. “This milestone isn’t lost on me and I have so many people to thank who have all played a big part in this journey.
“Saturday will be a special day and I’m hoping to mark it with a strong performance against a really good Sale side.”
Saracens XV
15. Max Malins
14. Noah Caluori
13. Nick Tompkins
12. Owen Farrell
11. Lucio Cinti
10. Fergus Burke
9. Charlie Bracken
1. Eroni Mawi
2. Jamie George
3. Marco Riccioni
4. Maro Itoje (c)
5. Hugh Tizard
6. Juan Martin Gonzalez
7. Ben Earl
8. Tom Willis
Replacements
16. Theo Dan
17. Rhys Carre
18. Marcus Street
19. Harry Wilson
20. Nick Isiekwe
21. Andy Onyeama-Christie
22. Gareth Simpson
23. Jack Bracken
ADVERTISEMENT