Spencer eager to capitalise on big chance to impress
POPULAR hooker Schalk Brits makes an eagerly-awaited return as Saracens prepare for a Leicester backlash after defeating them 29-17 on Christmas Eve.
Brits, below, has made a faster than expected recovery after tearing an adductor muscle in November, as the Men in Black look to cement their place as title favourites by extending a five-match winning league run that began with that win at Welford Road.
Sarries scrum-half Ben Spencer said: “It’s good news having Schalk back, Nathan Earle too, and confidence is sky high at the minute. We gave ourselves the challenge at the start of this international period of not letting our standards drop and we haven’t.
“The lads can be proud of what we’ve done, but now we’ve got two even bigger weeks ahead against Leicester today and Exeter away next week. We beat Leicester at their place at Christmas so we know they’ll come looking for a bit of payback and we really need to get stuck in. Leicester are fighting to get back into the top four and it’s going to be a huge test at Allianz Park.”
Brits replaces Chris Tolofua, who is rested, while Earle deputises for Wales flyer Liam Williams.
Spencer, meanwhile, can consider himself unfortunate not to have been selected by England in the absence of Ben Youngs, with clubmate Richard Wigglesworth chosen instead.
“Dan Robson probably has more reason to be aggrieved than me because he’s been superb for Wasps, but hopefully our chances will come,” Spencer said.
“I’m delighted for Wiggy that he got the call for the games against Wales and Scotland because he works as hard as anyone, and it does give me a four-week block of opportunities in the league now to try and put some doubt in the coaches’ minds.
“I’m trying to put my best foot forward, both in leadership and performance, with an eye on selection when it comes to the business end of the season.”
Wallaby Matt Toomua continues at fly-half in an unchanged visiting back division as Tigers aim to build on last week’s victory over Harlequins.
Manu Tuilagi reprises his midfield partnership with Gareth Owen, while up front the hookers rotate, with Tatafu Polota-Nau taking over from Tom Youngs.
Tigers’ forwards coach Mark Bakewell acknowledges the size of the task his side face, saying: “Even without their Test players, the depth Saracens have is phenomenal.
“We’ve never won at Allianz Park in the Premiership but we’ve talked about creating our own legacy, so let’s give it a crack and do something special.”