January 19, 2024
Updated 2 hours ago
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Number eight Billy Vunipola returns to the Saracens squad for the game against Lyon in the Champions Cup
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Investec Champions Cup: Pool 1 – Saracens vs Lyon |
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Venue: StoneX Stadium Date: Saturday 20th January Kick-off: 20:00 GMT |
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Coverage: Listen live on ` Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, ` Sounds, the ` Sport website and app. Live text updates, reports and reactions are also available on the ` Sport website and app |
Saracens make four changes from the side beaten in Bordeaux for their final Investec Champions Cup group game against Lyon at the StoneX Stadium.
Rotimi Segun and Lucio Cinti can be seen on the wings, while Juan Martin Gonzalez comes into the back row and Billy Vunipola starts in eighth place.
Lyon has already secured a place in the round of 16.
The three-time winner remains fifth but can overtake the Irish province, which he is one point behind, with a win or a loss bonus if he is beaten by less than 20 points.
Should the Premiership club come away empty-handed against Lyon, Connacht will secure the final qualifying spot.
Sarries have lost five of their last seven games, including a 55-15 loss to Bordeaux Begles in their final group game.
“Last week’s result was difficult to cope with. Nevertheless, we are grateful that all the boys are fit and healthy and that we can start building from the bottom,” said Billy Vunipola.
There are things we can build on. If we get our basics in place, I'm sure we'll be fine.
“We will get better and I am sure we will be there at the end of this tournament.”
New England captain Jamie George is understood to be unavailable after reportedly suffering an injection in the neck. However, he is expected to be fit again by the start of the Six Nations next month.
Lineups
Saracens: Goode; Segun, Daly, Tompkins, Cinti, Farrell (captain), Van Zyl; Mulipola, Dan, Richter, Itoje, Isiekwe, Gonzalez, Earl, B Vunipola.
Replacements: Hadfield, Crean, Hoskins, Tizard, Knight, Simpson, Hartley, Parton.
Lyon: Tchaptchet; Ioane, Parisien, Maraku, Niniashvili; Berdeu, Rimet; Rey, Charcosset, Kaabeche, Kpoku, Vignolles, Okuya, William, Gouzou.
Replacements: Coltman, Taofifenua, Tafili, Goujon, Lambey, Dumas, Godwin, Smith.
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