ALAN GAFFNEY has made one of the boldest calls of his tenure by resting both Glen Jackson and Andy Farrell for the Guinness Premiership clash with London Irish at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

Farrell, "outstanding" by the director of rugby's own admission against Biarritz, has been replaced by Adam Powell, the tyro centre, while Jackson, the linchpin of the side, makes way for Gordon Ross.

Gaffney is keen to use the depth of his squad and make sure his players are fresh and battle-hardened for what promises to be an exciting second half of the season with Sarries gunning for silverware on three fronts.

However, breaking up agruably the best 10-12 axis in the country for a match that could see the Men in Black go second is a brave move.

"We've got a situation where we need to play these players," said Gaffney. "Powell is a great prospect and he was playing really well while Faz was away at the World Cup.

"Faz was outstanding on Saturday, he was by far away our best player, but I've sat him down and he understands what we are doing. It's nothing to do with form - we just can't keep playing the same players. Gordon Ross is a very good player and he deserves a run."

Cobus Visagie also returns at tighthead for his first start of the season and his renowned scrummaging skills will be crucial in disrupting a side which Gaffney believes have one of the best set-pieces in the competition.

"Playing Irish is always a good yardstick," said the director of rugby. "They've had a good start and put some very good wins together, particularly last weekend at Rodney Parade against Newport Gewnt Dragons.

"Anyone who has been down there knows it is very difficult and to put 40 points on them and score six tries, as Irish did, is very impressive.

"They have got the best defensive line-out, a good attacking line-out, a solid set-piece and a pacy back line. They are a very dangerous side and if we don't play to our potential then it could be a long day at the office."

Sarries and Irish are two of the most attractive sides to watch in the competition and Sunday's game could be something of a try feast.

The return of Tomas de Vedia, who left Vicarage Road in the summer for Irish, should add extra spice while the Armitage brothers, Steffan and Delon, always ensure matches between these two sides are spiky affairs.

Gaffney will also be intrigued to see how his side bounce back from the heartbreaking defeat in Biarritz.

"We addressed that straight after the game and I don't imagine there will be a hangover," said the director of rugby. "It was frustrating but what it did show is that we can compete with the better sides in Europe.

"We outscored Biarritz by three tries to one and that gives us a lot of belief and courage to know we can beat sides like that."

Saracens: Haughton, Penney, Sorrell, Powell, Ratuvou, Ross, de Kock; Lloyd, Cairns, Visagie, Ryder, Vyvyan, Chesney, Seymour, Gustard. Replacements: Kyriacou, Johnston, Fullarton, Skirving, Rauluni, Jackson, Leonelli.