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Saracens Brace for European Test Amidst Key Absences
7 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Saracens will be without four key players for their European title bid.
- Several changes have been made to Saracens' forward pack for the match.
- Clermont fields a significantly altered team, with many debutants.
Saracens are set to commence their pursuit of a fourth European title with a notable absence of key England internationals Maro Itoje, Jamie George, and Ben Earl, along with Argentina's Juan Martin Gonzalez. The team sees Andy Onyeama-Christie return to the starting lineup, and Marcus Street will make his first European start, with James Hadfield joining as hooker.
Further tactical adjustments include Nick Isiekwe partnering Hugh Tizard in the second row, and Tom Willis taking the number eight position. The backline remains consistent with the previous match, led by captain Ivan van Zyl at scrum-half and Owen Farrell at fly-half. Max Malins and Noah Caluori are positioned on the wings, with Elliot Daly at full-back.
Opponents Clermont, currently ninth in the French Top 14, have implemented eight changes following their recent victory. Notably, seven of their players are poised to make their Champions Cup debuts, while experienced internationals Rob Simmons and George Moala are named on the bench.
