PREVIEW… Saracens v Bristol Bears
Today. Kick-off 1.30pm, StoneX
FREE-SCORING Saracens return to the StoneX for the first time in nine weeks today as they host Bristol Bears looking to build on last weekend’s statement 13-try win.
The 81-0 victory at Leicester Tigers accelerated their momentum, having won eight matches in a row since their opening round loss to league leaders Gloucester–Hartpury.
Scrum-half Tori Sellors retains her place after that performance and will again partner fly-half Zoe Harrison at half-back.
There is one change in the front row, where Kelsey Clifford comes in to join May Campbell and Donna Rose in an all-international unit, while Jess Breach, player of the match last week with four tries, retains her place in the back three.
Sellors is relishing the return to home turf, saying: “It’s exciting to be back at the StoneX after two months away. The break did us good, but after a strong win on the road last weekend, we will want to back it up in front of a good home crowd this Sunday.”
Bristol have endured a hugely disappointing season with the Bears languishing down in eighth after drawing 26-26 at home to Trailfinders last time out. They hand a first start to Canadian sevens international Chloe Daniels at fullback. She forms a back three with Jasmine Joyce and Millie David, while Ruahei Demant and Keira Bevan steer the game at half-back. Meanwhile, co-captain Sarah Bern anchors an unchanged pack.
TEAMS
SARACENS: Breach, Gregson, Hardy, Bridger, Sharp,
Harrison, Sellors; Clifford, Campbell, Rose, McMillan, Verghese, Evans, Omokhuale, Packer (c)
Replacements: Field, Crake, Tremelling, Senft, Cleall, Apps, MacDougall, Wills
BRISTOL BEARS: Daniels, Joyce, Orr, Smith, David, Demant (cc), Bevan; Davies, Skeldon, Bern (cc), Cunningham, Balogun, Short, Buisa, Gallagher
Replacements: Dale, Jah, Clarke, Burns, Hopkins, Ryall, De Vera, Lovibond
Referee: Michael Lamb
