SARACENS will have an embarrassment of riches on display when then entertain Bristol in the EDF Energy Cup at Vicarage Road on Sunday, a clear indication the club is hell-bent on winning their first trophy after a decade of despondency.

Fresh from his World Cup heroics with Fiji, Kameli Ratuvou is restored to the starting line up along with England cheerleader Andy Farrell. The international pair have not played for their club since that miserable Premiership semi-final defeat at Gloucester in May and will be keen to make an instant impact with their places now under genuine threat.

Adam Powell has been a breath of fresh air at inside centre while the likes of Edd Thrower, Rodd Penney and Richard Haughton have been bagging their fair share of tries in the back-line, a stark contrast to the brace of World Cup tries Ratuvou scored from a perhaps less productive full-back berth.

And director of rugby Alan Gaffney's team for Sunday reflects just how seriously the Aussie is taking the competition. Following on from last week's impressive win at Leeds, Sarries know another convincing triumph over Richard Hill's men will see them firmly plant one foot in the semi-finals.

In other changes, Samoa star Cencus Johnston comes into the front row at the expense of Tom Mercey while Moses Rauluni skippers the side in place of regular captain Neil de Kock, who makes up a formidable bench that includes Powell, Glen Jackson and Kris Chesney.

Johnston is preferred to the fit again Cobus Visagie, who will be given some much needed match practice in the A team's game at Harlequins on Monday. Meanwhile Rauluni, arguably the player of the World Cup with Fiji, earns a rare start after scoring one try and setting up another in the Headingley romp.

Gaffney is acutely aware Farrell desperately needs game time after his luckless time in France with the beaten finalists and insists Sunday presents him with the ideal stage to show he still has what it takes.

"We have to get Faz back on board - he needs to play rugby," said the Aussie. "If we don't play him now when are we going to play him?"

With Powell waiting in the wings after being rested for the trip to Leeds, Gaffney says Farrell is under no illusions he has to perform to keep the 20-year-old England prospect from stealing his thunder. "Powelly has been playing very well and Faz knows that," added Gaffney.

The 61-year-old says the return of Farrell and Ratuvou to domestic action is like signing two new players but warned fans not to expect too much from them too soon.

"We've got to wean them back in as they've been playing a completely different brand of rugby where they have been," he said. "It is not going to happen overnight but we're delighted to have them back."

Gaffney knows his side are in for a stiff test against Richard Hill's men who, like Sarries have lost once in their last five outings. "Bristol are a good team. It will be tough as they've got a good set piece and have a lot of old, hard heads in the side. We've got to battle hard up front and try and break down their defence."

Should Sarries make it to the March semis, Gaffney insists he will still be in post after he this week emerged as a possible successor to Australia boss John Connolly. Former Wallabies coaches Bob Dwyer and Eddie Jones, who is set to reprise his consultancy coaching role at Sarries next month, agreed that Gaffney was a suitable candidate for the vacancy. However, it cut no ice with the Men in Black boss who said: "There is nothing in that at all. It's very nice of Bob and Eddie to say those things but there is not a glimmer of hope of that happening."

Meanwhile, second row Paul Gustard is steeling himself for a tough day at the office against Bristol's abrasive set of forwards.

"Bristol are renowned for their aggressive pack and they have a lot of gnarly old heads who have been around the block a few times," said the 31-year-old. "But we want to win the cup as a club the size of Saracens should have enjoyed more success, no question."

Gustard, in the final year of his contract, has been one of Sarries' most consistent performers so far this season, although his desire to go in where it hurts has seen his time on the pitch punctuated by a rash of minor injuries.

"The niggling injuries have been frustrating, but I hope I have had my lot for the season now," added the former London Irish galvaniser.

I'm pretty pleased with my form and am benefiting from having a run in the side.

"There has been a period of stability within the squad and the coaching structure and you can see the fruits of our labour on the pitch now. The club is going in the right direction."

Saracens: Haughton, Penney, Sorrell, Farrell, Ratuvou, Ross, Rauluni (cpt); Lloyd, Cairns, Johnston, Ryder, Vyvyan, Gustard, Seymour, Skirving. Replacements: Kyriacou, Mercey, Chesney, Saull, de Kock, Jackson, Powell.