Planet Rugby

Preview: Saracens v Bath

06th November 2009 13:26

Kevin Sorrell Shaun Perry

Kevn Sorrell: 300 not out

Kevin Sorrell will make his 300th appearance for Saracens as they begin their LV=Cup campaign against Bath at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

The centre, who joined the club in 1995, returns to the line-up as the Guinness Premiership leaders switch their attentions to the LV=Cup.

And while Sorrell admits he is proud of reaching the triple century, his focus will be on one thing - winning the game.

"The closer I was getting to the number, the more I was aware of it," said Sorrell. "It's a great honour and something I will be proud of, but that won't be my main thought on Sunday. That will be about performing and getting the win."

In other team news, Director of Rugby Brendan Venter makes changes to his side with the likes of Richard Haughton, Tom Mercey, Rodd Penney and Michael Tagicakibau all given starts.

On the bench, Kasiano Lealamanua is set to make his first team debut as is wing James Short who has been in impressive try scoring form for Saracens Storm this season. Alex Goode covers at fly half while Schalk Brits is selected as cover in the back row.

"We face a new challenge in a new competition on Sunday, but our goals and focus remains the same," explained Venter. "We've given opportunities to a number of players who have performed so well for the Saracens Storm. It's a chance they deserve based on some outstanding performances and is a reflection of the strength in depth of our squad."

Meanwhile, Bath Head Coach Steve Meehan will be looking to combine the experience of the first team with the energy and eagerness of some of the Academy to create a winning combination.

Bath favourites Nick Abendanon and Joe Maddock will be sitting out the match having sustained muscle and ankle injuries respectively, but the crowds will be delighted to see the return of Daniel Browne.

Daniel picked up a foot injury over six months ago at Edgeley Park and is raring to get back onto the park.

The competition now gives those younger players like Rhys Crane, Josh Ovens, Ben Williams and Scott Hobson the chance to make challenges for their shirts with strong performances against Saracens this weekend.

"The timing of the LV=Cup is right for us in terms of being able to turn things around and bring some players back," revealed Meehan.

"There are opportunities and it's up to us to exploit them."

Saracens: 15 Michael Horak, 14 Richard Haughton, 13 Rodd Penney, 12 Kevin Sorrell, 11 Michael Tagicakibau, 10 Glen Jackson, 9 Kevin Barrett, 8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Justin Melck, 6 Wikus van Heerden (c), 5 Mouritz Botha, 4 Hayden Smith, 3 Tom Mercey, 2 Ethienne Reynecke, 1 Matias Aguero.
Replacements: 16 Fabio Ongaro, 17 Kasiano Lealamanua, 18 Richard Skuse, 19 Tom Ryder, 20 Schalk Brits, 21 Neil de Kock, 22 Alex Goode, 23 James Short.

Bath: 15 Jack Cuthbert, 14 Michael Stephenson, 13 Tom Cheeseman, 12 Ben Williams, 11 Rhys Crane, 10 Nicky Little, 9 Scott Bemand, 8 Jonny Faamatuainu, 7 Josh Ovens, 6 Daniel Browne, 5 Peter Short (c), 4 Scott Hobson, 3 Aaron Jarvis, 2 Rob Hawkins, 1 David Barnes.
Replacements: 16 Pieter Dixon, 17 Nathan Catt, 18 Mark Lilley, 19 Ed Jackson, 20 Guy Mercer, 21 Andy Beattie, 22 Mike Baxter, 23 Ryan Davis.

Date: Sunday, November 8
Venue: Vicarage Road:
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
Referee: Dean Richards (England)
Assistant referees: Andrew Small, (England), Alan Biggs (England)
Television match official: Clive Leeke (England).

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