200 club for Fortey as Borthwick returns

Hooker Chris Fortey is set to join the exclusive '200 Club' in the Guinness Premiership when Worcester Warriors entertain table topping Saracens at Sixways Stadium on Friday evening.

Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock has selected the same starting line-up that drew 12-12 on home soil with Bath Rugby just seven days earlier as he looks for Warriors to secure a third home win of the campaign.

Fortey is named among the replacements and if he plays a part in the encounter will hit the magical 200 game mark in the English top-flight and move to fifth in the all-time league standings for games played.

"Chris is about to hit the 200 Club in the Guinness Premiership and this is yet another example of the durability, professionalism and skill of this Warrior over an extended period," said Ruddock.

The only change to the 23-man squad comes on the bench where back row James Collins replaces Jake Abbott, currently away on England Sevens duty in Dubai.

Ahead of the game, Ruddock has admitted 'it doesn't get much bigger than this' as his team face the undefeated league leaders.

However, he insists the excitement in the Sixways squad could not be any greater as Warriors prepare to challenge that proud record.

"It would have been good to get four points last week and we felt on balance we just deserved to edge it against Bath. Ultimately it's gone now, it's our fault we didn't nail it down," he said.

"Now we have got to learn from that and face a really big challenge against Saracens.

"They are undefeated and very difficult to break down. They are not only top of the league but they have also beaten the world champions, South Africa, so it doesn't get much bigger than this.

"But it's a game we are all quite excited about and can't wait for the game to come around."

Ruddock admits Saracens have fast become the experts of putting pressure on teams to make mistakes and fully expects his side to face a big examination under the Sixways floodlights.

"They are the masters of putting the ball in the corners and squeezing you until you give away points or field position. It will be a tough day for our back three, they will see plenty of the ball," he said.

"But I'm encouraging my backs to run the ball, especially off first phase because that is the time when most of the forwards are in one huddle, be it a scrum or lineout.

"The only person that will be missing for us is Jake Abbott who is away with England Sevens, which is great news for us and great news for him," added Ruddock.

"He is another one of our Academy prospects that has achieved international honours. It's fantastic news so close to Alex Grove, who is set for his third cap for Scotland against Argentina this weekend."

Saracens meanwhile head to Sixways with England and club captain Steve Borthwick back in their lineup.

Borthwick returns from international duty to start against Worcester Warriors with Chris Wyles (USA) and Moses Rauluni (Fiji) also back from action with their respective countries to be in the Saracens squad. In the only other change from Sunday’s win over Wasps, Richard Haughton returns to the wing.

"We know that going to Sixways is always a tough test,” said Defence and Forwards Coach Paul Gustard.

"They have some very good players in the likes of Chris Latham, Sam Tuitupou, Pat Sanderson and others. They also have a very strong forward pack so we know we are in for a tough game. But the guys are really looking forward to the challenge and they know that we have to increase our effort levels week on week to keep getting the results we want.

"Having Steve Borthwick back in the side is fantastic. I’ve been lucky enough to play with some great captains in my career, but his leadership, commitment and dedication are second to none and it's great to have him back in the side. Chris Wyles has been in great form this season and, as anyone who knows him, Moses Rauluni is a great character to have around the club and also a terrific player.”

Kevin Barrett misses the game after joining up with the England 7s squad for the IRB Series in Dubai and Fabio Ongaro is still away with Italy. Matias Aguero has returned from action with Italy but has a knock which will keep him out of action for a few weeks. Neil de Kock misses the game with an ankle injury but should return within two weeks.

The Teams

Worcester Warriors: 15 Chris Latham, 14 Marcel Garvey, 13 Dale Rasmussen, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Miles Benjamin, 10 Willie Walker, 9 Ryan Powell, 8 Kai Horstmann, 7 Pat Sanderson (captain), 6 Tom Wood, 5 Craig Gillies, 4 Greg Rawlinson, 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Callum Black
Replacements: 16 Adam Black, 17 Chris Fortey, 18 Olivier Sourgens, 19 Graham Kitchener, 20 James Collins, 21 Jonny Arr, 22 Calum MacRae, 23 Rico Gear

Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 Richard Haughton, 13 Kameli Ratuvou, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 Chris Wyles, 10 Derick Hougaard, 9 Justin Marshall
8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Andy Saull, 6 Wikus van Heerden, 5 Tom Ryder, 4 Steve Borthwick (captain), 3 Carlos Nieto, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Rhys Gill
Replacement: 16 Ethienne Reynecke, 17 Kasiano Lealamanua, 18 Richard Skuse, 19 Hugh Vyvyan, 20 Don Barrell, 21 Moses Rauluni, 22 Adam Powell, 23 Rodd Penney

Date: Friday, November 27
Venue: Sixways Stadium
Time: 20.00 (20.00 GMT)