Sarries suffer Itoje blow but Mako’s back in front row
INFLUENTIAL lock Maro Itoje misses out as Saracens seek back-toback wins over Cardiff that will put them on the cusp of the quarter-finals.
Itoje chipped a patella on England duty and will be missing for a number of weeks as the Men in Black enter a crucial stage of their campaign.
However, unbeaten in 14 games and with Champions Cup victories over group rivals Glasgow and Lyon banked, Mark McCall’s men – winners in 2016 and 2017 – remain hell-bent on reclaiming their European crown from Irish cracks Leinster.
Centre Nick Tompkins told The Rugby Paper: “Leinster are the benchmark but we want to be the best and prove that we’re worthy of being up there.
“Going in against Cardiff will be a big challenge because they’re a quality outfit but this is huge for us and we’re in decent form. We’ve spoken about how important this block of games is between now and New Year – it’s pivotal for our season.”
England’s autumn hero Owen Farrell starts at No.10 after being rested last week and Mako Vunipola returns at loosehead after six weeks out with a calf strain.
Alex Goode resumes at full-back while two further changes see Dom Day come in for the stricken Itoje and Schalk Burger replace Calum Clark.
Meanwhile, academy product Tompkins – named on the bench – is buzzing after signing a new contract that will keep him at Saracens until 2022.
The 23-year-old has had to remain patient behind experienced Test stars Brad Barritt, Alex Lozowski, Duncan Taylor and Marcelo Bosch.
However, after featuring in every Premiership and Champions Cup game this season, he said: “I want to be involved in finals and push on internationally. That’s why this is such an amazing place and it would have seemed silly to leave.
“There were other possibilities and the last two years have been pretty frustrating with injuries, but when it comes down to it, you ask yourself what you love about the club? It’s the culture, the boys, the coaches… and it’s my home!
“That’s why I made the decision to stay and while I have had to remain patient because there are so many top-quality players here, if you can get ahead at Sarries and start, you’re halfway towards playing the best standard of rugby.”
Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe returns for a Cardiff side who face an uphill task, with three further changes seeing Jarrod Evans selected at inside centre and Kirby Myhill and Dillon Lewis starting at hooker and tighthead respectively.
Blues skipper Lloyd Williams said: “It’s a great opportunity to test ourselves and make the best of the situation. Saracens have proved how strong they are but if we put in our best performance, we’ll be in with a shot.”