Daunting assignment for Ulster at high-flying Saracens

Suddenly, with Jared Payne reappearing at fullback for the first time since injuring his foot in the World Cup, the Ulster back line looks the best of any Irish province. Saracens will feel that too, although their own high numbers have plenty of edge.

All seven backs in Ulster are international players except Stuart McCloskey, who many have already marked down as a player who should be of some interest to Joe Schmidt this season.

Perhaps McCloskey will be the solution to Schmidt’s “manufactured” centre pairing along with a fit Robbie Henshaw. The 6ft4in Bangor man has been impressive and with his footballing ability and natural size looks every part the modern outside centre.

Alongside Luke Marshall in midfield, the pair has been teaming up impressively and with Craig Gilroy and Andrew Trimble on the wings Ulster have strength and power on one side along with Gilroys’ feet and brio on the other.

Monster kick

The peerless Ruan Pienaar, has helped bring Paddy Jackson to a point where he's currently the in-form outhalf in Ireland, his winning monster kick last week a fair reflection of current confidence.

The pack may not have quite the same credentials although loosehead prop Kyle McCall earned man of the match in last Sunday’s 23-24 win over Oyonnax. Backrow Chris Henry has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Ulster travel in the hope of earning at least a point in Allianz Park, which would hopefully get them through if they added a bonus point win next week in the home leg of their game against Oyonaxx and finished with a total of 19 points.

Saracens have won 11 of their last 12 home games in the competition including their last seven in a row while Ulster have won their last three and are looking for their fourth consecutive win for just the fourth time.

Saracens have selected some names who will have a point to prove with new England coach Eddie Jones.

Back in the England fold, Chris Aston is one happy camper on the right wing with Marcelo Bosch inside him. But the dropped Brad Barritt captains the side at inside centre beside USA international Chris Wyles.

Potential match winner Owen Farrell is at outhalf with Mako Vunipola at loosehead prop and his brother Billy, a loss to England when he was injured during the World Cup, at number eight.

The highly-rated former England under-20 captain lock/flanker Maro Itoje, also in Jones 33-man England squad, starts in the second row. Only fullback Alex Goode is missing from a full-strength side.

Saracens coach Mark McCall is very much aware of his former club’s potential.

“Ulster have players all over the field who are capable of winning games on both the domestic and international stage,” he said this week.

“In the past few seasons they have always been tough opponents for us and they have made some real strides under Les Kiss in the last four or five weeks. Earlier this season they provided us with a really difficult game at the Kingspan Stadium and we are expecting the same again this Saturday.”

Fine words but Saracens did win that game 27-9 when Ulster had Iain Henderson, Nick Williams and Henry in the backrow – they are all missing today. Saracens have more points (19) than any other team in the five pools and are good enough to go all the way.

Verdict: Saracens win

SARACENS: B Ransom; C Ashton, M Bosch, B Barritt, C Wyles; O Farrell, R Wigglesworth; M Vunipolo, J George, P Du Plessis, M Itoje, G Kruis, M Rhodes, W Frazer, B Vunipola.

Replacements: S Brits, R Barrington, J Figallo, J Hamilton, J Wray, N de Kock, C Hodgson, D Taylor.

ULSTER: J Payne; A Trimble, L Marshall, S McCloskey, C Gilroy; P Jackson, R Pienaar; K McCall, R Best (c), W Herbst; A O'Connor, F van der Merwe; R Diack, S Reidy, R Wilson.

Replacements: R Herring, C Black, R Lutton, L Stevenson, C Ross, P Marshall, I Humphreys, R Scholes.

Referee: J Garces (Fra)