Saracens' director of rugby Brendan Venter is convinced Brad Barritt will become a future international star for England.

The centre was rumoured to be in the running for a place in the squad for next month's internationals against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand but missed out on the call-up.

Barritt moved to England from South Africa last season after leaving the Sharks and his performances earned a spot in the England Saxons squad in the summer.

Venter insists the 23-year-old's time will come and he just needs to be patient.

The former London Irish coach said: "I am convinced Brad will play for England but he must be patient.

"He can be a star for England. He's developing all the time and it's important he keeps developing and he will get his chance."

Saracens put their unbeaten league record on the line when they travel to the Rec tomorrow to face struggling Bath, the first of two meetings between the sides in a week.

Steve Meehan's team are second bottom in the table and haven't won at home since April when they defeated the Men in Black.

Derick Hougaard limped off last weekend with a hamstring injury and misses out. Hugh Vyvyan comes in for Borthwick, who will miss their next five games, while Matias Aguero is expected to start in the front row. Neil de Kock returns at scrum-half and Wikus van Heerden takes over as stand-in captain.

Venter knows Bath are better than their lowly position in the table and claims the pace-setters will get turned over if they fail to perform in the West Country.

The South African said: "Bath are a better side than their place in the league suggests. They should have beaten Stade Francais in the Heineken Cup and they are a proper side. We know that if we don't play well we'll lose the game.

"We know they are a good side and have the ability to keep the ball through phases and are good in the set piece.

"But we will enjoy playing at the Rec and we will use it as energy to motivate us."