Saracens v Benetton Treviso, Heineken Cup, November 13
Sarries look to put down euro marker
ESPNscrum Staff
November 10, 2011
Saracens' director of rugby Mark McCall casts an eye over training, Old Albanians RFC, St Albans, England, November 2, 2011
Mark McCall's Saracens side will kick off an epic Heineken Cup journey against Treviso at Vicarage Road © Getty Images
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Premiership giants Saracens will launch their latest bid for Heineken Cup glory against Benetton Treviso at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

Currently hot on the heels of leaders Harlequins in the battle for the English crown, Saracens will be hoping to put last season's disappointing European campaign behind them with a strong showing against the Italian rivals who are currently mid-table in the PRO12.

Saracens - Player to Watch: Saracens hooker Schalk Brits so often sets the tempo and manner of his side's performances, even from the front row. And he will have added incentive to lay down a marker with former Springboks captain John Smit waiting on the bench.

Saracens - Team News: Smit is set to make his Saracens debut after being named on the bench. Rhys Gill, Matt Stevens, Hayden Smith, Andy Saull and James Short all return to the starting line-up while Jacques Burger misses out after taking a bang on the knee which means Justin Melck comes into the back-row.

Treviso - Player to Watch: Italy scrum-half Fabio Semenzato will come under huge pressure from Saracens' sizeable pack and especially the predatory openside Andy Saull. His ability to direct his forwards against the Sarries assault and his ability to feed the backs with clean ball will be central to any hopes Treviso have of staying in touch with the English champions.

Treviso - Team News: Fly-half Kris Burton drops to the bench with South African Willem De Waal entrusted with the No.10 jersey at Vicarage Road while Semenzato partners him at half-back. There are further changes to the Italian side's backline with Benjamin De Jager coming in on the right wing, Tomasso Benvenuti switching to midfield and Luke McLean being replaced by Brendan Williams on the left wing. Elsewhere Marco Filippucci is replaced by Roberto Barbieri at No.8, Benjamin Vermaak comes in at blindside flanker and Diego Vidal plays at hooker.

Key Battle: Opposing opensides Alessandro Zanni and Andy Saull are a real contrast - in style and stature. While Saull relies on his pace and predatory skills to stifle opponents' attacking flow, Zanni often makes his size and strength felt around the breakdown and fringes.

Trivia: Saracens will play their three home games at three different venues - Vicarage Road, Wembley and the Cape Town Stadium in South Africa.

Stats: Treviso have lost their last 10 away matches in the Heineken Cup.

Quote Unquote:

"I believe we are capable of having a good impact on the Heineken Cup and that we have the strength and quality within the squad to take advantage of last season's experiences."
- Saracens' director of rugby Mark McCall eyes Europe's top prize

Prediction: Saracens to sound a warning to their euro rivals with a clinical victory over their Italian rivals.

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