Saracens Women have named their side to face Loughborough Lightning at Allianz Park for the second round of the Tyrrells Premier 15s, kick off 16.30.
Rob Cain has made some changes to the squad who picked up their first win of the new season last week away to Firwood Waterloo Ladies. Two players are handed their Sarries debut in the starting line up as Italian international Valeria Fedrighi is named at second row and young gun Helena Rowland, who turned eighteen this week, gets the nod at fullback.
The front row remains unchanged with Kat Evans packing down at hooker alongside Loz Salisbury at loosehead prop and Sam Martinez Gion at tighthead prop.
Fedrighi is partnered with Rosanna Moynihan in the second row. Bryony Cleall recovers from an injury which kept her out of the opening match to come in at No.8. Rosie Galligan has not recovered from a knock which forced her off before half time in last week’s match so Lauren Newman starts at openside flanker with Sonia Green at blindside flanker.
Garnet Mackinder returns to fill the right wing jersey with captain Lotte Clapp on the opposite wing and newcomer Rowland completes the back three.
Georgie Gulliver and Zoe Harrison resume their halfback partnership and round one try scorer Nina Vistisen lines up alongside Charlotte Barras in the centres as Lauren Cattell is ruled out through injury.
Speaking ahead of the match, head coach Rob Cain said: “Facing two teams new to the top flight of Premier 15s in as many weeks poses an unknown challenge and from the first round of results, they’ve come out firing against familiar opposition. Thankfully we managed to avoid that ourselves in round one and come away with the win but we will need a much improved performance this week.
“Loughborough Lightening will pose a real test to us this Sunday. They showed they like to play high tempo rugby last weekend – the same as us which hopefully will see both teams prepared to throw the ball about.
“In terms of our squad, we have several experienced players coming back from injury and some new signings who will feature as well. We’re all looking forward to getting back out at Allianz Park and hope we can deliver a strong performance in front of a supportive home crowd.”
15. Helena Rowland 14. Garnet Mackinder 13. Nina Vistisen 12. Charlotte Barras 11. Lotte Clapp © 10. Zoe Harrison 9. Georgie Gulliver
1. Loz Salisbury 2. Kat Evans 3. Sam Martinez Gion 4. Rosanna Moynihan 5. Valeria Fedrighi 6. Sonia Green 7. Lauren Newman 8. Bryony Cleall
Replacements
16. Sarah Barber 17. Sarah Bebbington 18. Hannah Botterman 19. Kay Searcy 20. Anna Goddard 21. Ella Wyrwas 22. Rowan White
Sunday sees plenty of Allianz Park action taking place as Saracens Storm kick off the afternoon with their fixture against Gloucester United at 13.30 before Saracens Women take on Loughborough Lightning in their Tyrrells Premier 15s clash at 16.30.
Tickets for the Saracens Women v Loughborough Lightning match will be available to buy on the gate priced at £5. The game is free for season ticket holders. The Saracens shop will also be open on Sunday from 12h30 – 16h30.
Report courtesy of Saracens Women
