AFTER addressing the balance of internationals at the club in response to the structure of the season, Francois Pienaar has been dealt another cruel blow with up to nine players ruled out through injury ahead of the daunting trip to Welford Road on Saturday, October 20.

With Leicester Tigers missing six players compared to Saracens' two as a result of the resumption of the Six Nations tomorrow, it appeared to be the perfect time to travel to the home of the treble winners.

"I am not sure that it is a perfect opportunity, but it is a great one," said Saracens number eight Ben Cole.

"Leicester will be missing some quality players at the weekend, but they have plenty quality to come in as cover. We are very much up for the challenge."

With long-term casualties Thomas Castaignde, Romain Magellan, Ben Johnston, Tom Shanklin and Kris Chesney all definitely ruled out, Pienaar is left sweating over the fitness of Tim Horan, Nick Walshe, Tony Roques and David Flatman.

One of piece of good news came with the RFU ruling this week that clubs are able to field three overseas players to compensate for the loss of internationals, which means Horan, Smith and de Beer could all feature in tomorrow's line-up.

October 19, 2001 10:45

Kevin Affleck