By Jason Harris
November 1 2002

After the Tykes did the double over Saracens last year, nobody in the Sarries camp is underestimating the size of the task when the two sides clash at Headingley this weekend. Leeds, bottom of the pile last season, have dumbfounded all their critics after a political decision handed them a reprieve and kept them in the top flight.

They have needed no second invitation to prove that they are worthy of a place at rugby's top table and, with a third of the season already gone, are very nearly at the head of that table.

Tykes boss Phil Davies has made a number of astute signings since Leeds joined the big time last year and they have turned the upstarts into something upmarket: in short, they're a quality side that nobody should take lightly.

Perhaps Saracens can be accused of doing just that last season. Dan Parks, until then barely known in English rugby circles, punished Sarries in the corresponding fixture and as Sarries floundered towards the basement in the latter part of last season, Leeds hammered them at Vicarage Road.

Given the clubs' positions in the league table, Leeds should go in as favourites. Sarries, now with the combined talents of Horan and Castaignede, will have to ensure parity in the forward exchanges at least if they are to compete.

The Sarries pack, even with its collection of international stars, has come off second best far too often so far this year and if they are to do the same again on Sunday, they will be the losing side.

Any indiscipline will be punished by Leeds centre Braam van Straaten whose goal kicking has been near-faultless this season. Stand-off Gordon Ross has been getting his outside backs moving and in Dan Scarbrough, they have one of the best finishers in the league.

In the forwards, Tom Palmer is one of the brightest second row prospects in the game and the rejuvinated Mark Regan leads from the front. Indeed, Regan's form for the Tykes has been so good this year that he has been recalled into the England squad by Clive Woodward.

Wayne Shelford continues his rotation policy and names a side with several changes from the one that lost to champions Leicester last weekend.

Gerald Arasa comes in for Tom Shanklin who is on international duty, Kevin Sorrell drops to the bench and is replaced by Ben Johnston in the centre.

Ben Russell returns to no8 as the back row is shuffled after Tony Roques' shoulder injury. Richard Hill moves to open side and Kris Chesney stays on the blind.

David Flatman returns in the front row and the locks are Benazzi and Yandell. Stuart Hooper is left out of the 22 and Craig Quinnell will itching for more game time as he starts his second Zurich game among the replacements.

This is a match that Saracens can win. But only if the boys up front can provide enough ball for the backs and the backs in turn don't get isolated and reliquish possession as they have done frequently so far this term.

The game could be a close one and Sarries, providing they can get hold of - and keep - the football, could well spring a surprise and record a rare away win.

Saracens:

Castaignede; Arasa, Horan, Johnston, O'Mahony; Goode, Bracken (c); Flatman, Cairns, Califano; Benazzi, Yandell; Chesney, Hill, B.Russell.

Replacements: Hannon, Marsters, Quinnell, Peacey, Williams, Sorrell, Sparg.