Preview: Ulster vs Saracens
- 2093
Preview: Ulster vs Saracens
Ulster vs Saracens, (19:45) BT Sport
Ulster get their European campaign underway as they host Saracens at the Kingspan Stadium.
Last weeks clash with Oyonnax was postponed due to the events in Paris
The Irish lock/back row will play his first game since Ireland's crushing defeat to Argentina in October.
Neil Doak has name a side brimmed with experience, the starting XV having 1410 caps for Ulster.
Saracens come to Belfast in high spirits, after a strong home performance against Toulouse winning 32-7.
Mark McCall has made 2 changes to his side, Schalk Brits coming in for Jamie George and Will Fraser makes way for Jaques Burger, who missed last week through suspension.
Brad Barritt will captain Saracens - his 150th appearance for the Londoners - while fellow England internationals Richard Wigglesworth and Owen Farrell continue at half-back.
Also returning for Saracens, Argentinian Marcelo Bosch is named on the bench.
This fixture has a lot of history, the last time the pair met Saracens edged out Ulster 17-15 in the quarter final.
Jared Payne was sent off early on with most Ulster fans still not happy with the decision.
Ulster number eight Nick Williams has side there is no revenge in this fixture.
"There is no element of revenge. It's a new competition, a new team with new personnel. They have a very physical pack, they like to play a direct style and they are always tough to play against.
"You look for a weakness in their team but you struggle to find one. Toulouse were maybe a bit emotional given the events that occurred in France and they maybe played the way Saracens wanted them to."
Saracens coach Mark McCall is looking forward to the clash.
"Ulster are one of the best in Europe, and we've had some classic battles with them in recent years.
"I know how tough a place the Kingspan Stadium can be when it's rocking on a European night. So to be facing them is a real challenge for us, but one that we are all very excited by."
Prediction: Saracens by 4.
