News

Preview: Saracens v Leeds

Friday 28th March 2008

Back in black: Sorrell returns to action for Saracens

Saracens welcome back Kevin Sorrell to their starting line-up for Sunday's Guinness Premiership game against Leeds at Vicarage Road.

The 31-year-old outside centre, ruled out for two months with an ankle injury, is back to fitness and claims a place in a changed Saracens midfield that also sees Adam Powell earn a recall to the starting XV for Sunday's game.

"There's never a good time to be out injured and by the same token, a good time to come back," explained Sorrell.

"However, with just a few games to go this season, hopefully I'll be able to contribute in a positive way and that starts on Sunday."

The return of England U20 centre Powell to the starting line-up sees Andy Farrell move to the bench.

In other team news, Matt Cairns starts at hooker while Cencus Johnston returns after attending the birth of his child last weekend. Kris Chesney takes over in the second row from the injured Chris Jack with Paul Gustard taking his spot in the back row.

Form: Saracens' only win in their last six matches in all competitions was 24-20 over Sale in the Guinness Premiership at Vicarage Road on 9 March. At home Saracens have won four of their last five encounters. Leeds doubled their tally of victories in the Guinness Premiership this season with their 16-15 win over Newcastle at Headingley last Friday. Leeds are winless in their last 15 away games in the Premiership but did draw 10-all at Worcester on 16 March. Saracens have already beaten Leeds twice this season: 31-7 in the Guinness Premiership and 46-28 in the EDF Energy Cup. Leeds have not beaten Saracens since a 29-23 victory at Vicarage Road on 26 September 2004.

The Teams:

Saracens: 15 Brent Russell, 14 Francisco Leonelli, 13 Kevin Sorrell, 12 Adam Powell, 11 Kameli Ratuvou, 10 Glen Jackson, 9 Neil de Kock (c), 8 Ben Skirving, 7 Don Barrell, 6 Paul Gustard, 5 Hugh Vyvyan, 4 Kris Chesney, 3 Cencus Johnston, 2 Matt Cairns, 1 Nick Lloyd.
Replacements: 16 Fabio Ongaro, 17 Cobus Visagie, 18 Tom Ryder, 19 David Seymour, 20 Moses Rauluni, 21 Andy Farrell, 22 Dan Scarbrough.

Leeds: 15 Leigh Hinton, 14 Apo Satala, 13 Rob Vickerman, 12 John Holtby, 11 Tom Biggs, 10 James Brooks, 9 Joe Bedford, 8 Rhys Oakley, 7 Hendre Fourie, 6 Kearnan Myall, 5 Erik Lund, 4 Stuart Hooper (c), 3 Adam Hopcroft, 2 Rob Rawlinson, 1 Mike MacDonald.
Replacements: 16 Fosi Pala'amo, 17 James Parkes, 18 Mark Lock, 19 Pablo Bouza, 20 Darren Edwards, 21 Jon Goodridge, 22 Tom Rock.

Date: Sunday 30 March, 2008
Kick-off: 15:00 BST (14:00 GMT)
Venue: Vicarage Road
Referee: Rob Debney
Touch judges: Andrew Pearce, Roger Baileff
Television match official: Brian Abrahams