By David Parry
January 31 2004

Richard Hill returns to a Saracens side that must overturn a sixteen point deficit, if they are to progress in the Parker Pen Challenge Cup. Hill's comeback has been noted by Saracens coach Rod Kafer as providing a similar boost to that of Hilly's return from the World Cup and indeed Saracens should prove a considerably improved side with his return to the starting lineup. Montferrand are, on paper, an impressive side; a side that some would suggest are of a Heineken Cup standard rather than that of the less cosmopolitan Parker Pen Challenge Cup.

The other welcome addition to the Sarries starting line-up is Kevin Sorrell, who returns after a long battle against injury to reform his impressive partnership with Ben Johnston in the centres with Paul Bailey moving to the No. 15 slot and Richard Haughton returning to the wing. Kyran Bracken is preferred to Morgan Williams to partner Sarries leading try scorer Thomas Castaignede at half back. Darragh O'Mahoney completes a very capable backline.

Try scorer in the first-leg, Captain Simon Raiwalui will hope for a strong performance from his pack which remains largely unchanged for the home leg of the tie. Ben Broster will once again attempt to fill the boots of former South African international Cobus Visagie, who is reportedly rested to avoid further complications to a back injury. With Richard Hill and Taine Randell assured of their positions at seven and eight, Ben Skirving is given a chance to challenge for regular selection in the available blindside flanker slot.

Strong performances against Bath, Leeds and at home to Glasgow Rugby game have raised the spirits and even the standards of some Saracens supporters, and an aggregate win is an achievable goal for the Men in Black; especially since all of Sarries impressive performances have been at Vicarage Road. With a considerably improved pack, now further improved by King Richard Hill, Home advantage and a crowd brave enough to battle the Watford cold, this could be another cracker for the Saracens supporter.

Saracens Team vs Montferrand (Second Leg)

1. Steven Sparks
2. Raphael Ibanez
3. Ben Broster
4. Simon Raiwalui (c)
5. Alex Codling
6. Ben Skirving
7. Richard Hill
8. Taine Randell
9. Kyran Bracken
10. Thomas Castaignede
11. Darragh O'Mahoney
12. Kevin Sorrell
13. Ben Johnston
14. Richard Haughton
15. Paul Bailey

16. Robbie Russell
17. Johnny Marsters
18. Craig Yandell
19. Ben Russell
20. Morgan Williams
21. Nicki Little
22. Denis Cech