England captain Steve Borthwick returns for Premiership leaders Saracens at Worcester (From Watford Observer)

England captain Steve Borthwick returns for Premiership leaders Saracens at Worcester

9:10am Friday 27th November 2009

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Saracens first-team coach Mark McCall says having England captain Steve Borthwick back is a "massive" boost for the Guinness Premiership leaders.

Borthwick returns to the side tonight at Worcester after leading England during the three Autumn internationals. The former Bath lock has missed the last five Saracens games but is back in the team for the trip to Sixways as he forms a second row partnership with Tom Ryder.

Borthwick's position as national skipper has again been criticised in the national media, despite a strong performance in the final game against New Zealand, but his importance at Saracens is unquestionable.

McCall said: "It's obviously a massive boost. His personal form in the Autumn internationals was outstanding. We are fortunate to have a number of good second rows at the club but it's great for the squad to have Steve back.

"It says a lot about the man that Steve came down to watch the Bath and the Wasps game after a difficult match against the All Blacks. His form in the last game was probably his best match for England and he wants to keep that momentum going with us."

Chris Wyles returns to the wing after spending the last month on international duty helping America qualify for the World Cup. Richard Haughton is also recalled with Noah Cato and Michael Tagicakibau left out from last week's side. Justin Marshall starts at scrum-half with Kevin Barrett away with the England sevens squad in Dubai.

Experienced Fijian Moses Rauluni could make his first appearance of the season after earning a spot on the bench. Neil de Kock remains sidelined with an ankle injury but should be fit to return in the next fortnight.

Saracens could establish an 11-point lead at the top after the Worcester game but the coach is taking nothing for granted. McCall insists their success has been built around their strong work ethic and he has warned the players they could lose their unbeaten record if it slips at the Warriors.

"Traditionally Saracens have found it a difficult place to go to and get a result," the Irishman added. "They have a very passionate crowd and are a physical side so we will have to be at our best up there. I think some of their results this season have not done them justice.

"I think everybody involved is aware why we have got wins. We haven't just turned up and won. We have got them through working unbelievably hard and that has been why we have done well so far.

"To put in the effort we did against Wasps after the South Africa game just shows how incredible the players have been.

"But there is no magic formula. We have to work hard and if we don't at Worcester, then we will not get a result."

The Men in Black have had a busy fortnight with three matches in eight days last week but McCall is not worried about any fatigue playing a part tonight.

"Everyone is enjoying their rugby and because of the rotation policy the players feel fresh.

"We have made subtle changes so the players have not played all the games and we've picked a fresh and enthusiastic side. It is testament to the strength and conditioning of the squad."

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