By George, it’s a chance to put down Lions marker

ENGLAND forwards Jamie George and George Kruis can both put down British and Irish Lions selection markers when Saracens tackle their Aviva Premiership rivals Northampton this afternoon.

George captains Saracens in Milton Keynes, going head-tohead with current England hooker and fellow Lions hopeful Dylan Hartley, while lock Kruis makes his first Premiership start since Christmas Eve after recovering from a knee injury that meant he missed this season’s entire RBS 6 Nations.

And the timing could hardly be better, with Lions head coach Warren Gatland due to name his squad for this summer’s New Zealand tour on Wednesday.

Victory for Saracens would keep them firmly in contention for a home play-off tie in the Premiership play-offs next month. But they will face Saints without rested fly-half Owen Farrell and lock Maro Itoje, while prop Mako Vunipola sits out the clash after suffering a knock to his knee during last weekend’s victory over Harlequins.

Northampton show two changes following their narrow defeat against Wasps last time out, with wing Ken Pisi replacing George North and centre Luther Burrell handed a start in midfield alongside Harry Mallinder.

Premiership leaders Wasps head to Bristol today, where a win for Dai Young’s team would nudge their West Country hosts closer to relegation.

Wasps back James Haskell and Nathan Hughes, with Guy Thompson at openside flanker instead of a rested Thomas Young, while one change in the Bristol line-up sees flanker Nick FentonWells replacing an injured Jack Lam.