Castres v Saracens: Teams
Fly-half Glen Jackson will return to Saracens' starting line-up for their Amlin Challenge Cup fixture against Castres.
Last Updated: 10/12/09 2:52pm
Fly-half Glen Jackson will return to Saracens' starting line-up after a stint on rotation for their Amlin Challenge Cup fixture against Castres.
Sarries director of rugby Brendan Venter has also named Fiji international Michael Tagicakibau on the wing, with Ethienne Reynecke starting at hooker.
Alex Goode will be rested despite being given the all-clear after exiting the field with a facial injury last weekend so Richard Haughton will take over at full-back, while the other change to the team sees Justin Melck start at seven with Andy Saull on the bench.
Neil de Kock is out for another week with an ankle injury and Moses Rauluni starts the game with Justin Marshall in reserve.
"This is effectively a knockout game," said first team coach Mark McCall.
"Knowing that only the pool winner goes through and having already lost in Toulon, there is a greater significance on this game. This is a game we want to win as we want to be involved in big matches, play-off games, semi-finals and finals."
Saracens are on equal points with the French side in their Challenge Cup group but McCall spent two years at Castres and knows not to underestimate the team that are currently leading the Top 14.
"Their being at the top adds some spice and the game will give us a good indication of where we are," added McCall.
"They've won a lot of close games and have a very strong squad and in Romain Teulet, one of the best goalkickers in France. So we will have to be very disciplined and at the top of our game."
Castres: 15 Thomas Bouquié, 14 Matthieu Bourret, 13 Phil Christophers, 12 Pierre-Manuel Garcia, 11 Paul Bonnefond, 10 Romain Boscus, 9 Thomas Sanchou, 8 Darron Nell, 7 Yannick Caballero, 6 Steve Malonga, 5 Ludovic Michaux, 4 Kirill Kulemin, 3 Luc Ducalcon, 2 Mathieu Bonello, 1 Gideon Lensing.
Replacements: 16 Marc-Antoine Rallier, 17 Carl Hoeft, 18 Matthias Rolland, 19 Joe Tekori, 20 Alexandre Albouy, 21 Romain Teulet, 22 Charles Sika, 23 Yoann Rayssac.
Saracens: 15 Richard Haughton, 14 Noah Cato, 13 Kameli Ratuvou, 12 Adam Powell, 11 Michael Tagicakibau, 10 Glen Jackson, 9 Mosese Rauluni, 8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Justin Melck, 6 Wikus van Heerden, 5 Hayden Smith, 4 Steve Borthwick, 3 Carlos Nieto, 2 Ethienne Reynecke, 1 Rhys Gill.
Replacements: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 Tom Mercey, 18 Richard Skuse, 19 Mouritz Botha, 20 Andy Saull, 21 Justin Marshall, 22 Jake Sharp, 23 Kevin Sorrell.