PREM Rugby: Team News for Round 18 - Saracens and Exeter battle for play-off spot

The men in green, black and gold have already secured the coveted home semi-final spot, as Phil Dowson's side have raced away to the top of the table, eight points clear of second-placed Bath. The blue, black and whites must end their regular season on a high if they wish to return to the Rec for the semi-finals, as third placed Leicester Tigers sit just two points adrift of Johann van Graan's men.

Exeter Chiefs currently take the fourth spot in the table, with the West Country club desperate to cling on to the top four. A season deciding match sees the Chiefs host fifth-placed Saracens at Sandy Park, with the winner set for the semi-finals and a chance to be crowned kings of the PREM.

All the matches are scheduled for Saturday at 15:15, and w've once again put together all of the team news for you to get stuck into, ahead of a do-or-die weekend across England.

Sale Sharks have been boosted by the return of England internationals Tom Curry and Raffi Quirke for Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership Round 18 clash against Bristol Bears, with Alex Sanderson making three changes to his starting XV.

Curry returns at number eight after recovering from the head injury sustained during England camp, while Quirke resumes at scrum-half alongside George Ford. Hooker Nathan Jibulu also comes back into the side for his first start in six weeks following suspension.

The Sharks retain much of the side that impressed last time out, with Tom Roebuck rewarded for his recent form by keeping his place at outside centre alongside Rekeiti Ma’asi-White. Skipper Ernst van Rhyn and Ben Bamber continue their ever-present second-row partnership, having started every Premiership match this season.

Bristol, meanwhile, head to Salford with a youthful, entirely English-qualified matchday squad as Pat Lam manages a lengthy injury list and ensures compliance with RFU EQP regulations. Injuries to Ellis Genge, Fitz Harding and George Kloska have forced further changes, with Academy hooker Tomas Gwilliam handed his first Premiership start and five current Academy players named in the starting XV.

Club captain Harry Randall leads the Bears from scrum-half, while experienced campaigners Jake Woolmore, Max Lahiff and Harry Thacker provide senior leadership in a side featuring several emerging talents. Academy hooker Kieran Hill could make his senior debut from the bench.

Starting XV: 15. Joe Carpenter, 14. Tom O’Flaherty, 13. Tom Roebuck, 12. Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, 11. Arron Reed, 10. George Ford, 9. Raffi Quirke; 1. Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 2. Nathan Jibulu, 3. James Harper, 4. Ernst van Rhyn (c), 5. Ben Bamber, 6. Sam Dugdale, 7. Seb Kelly, 8. Tom Curry

Replacements: 16. Alfie Longstaff, 17. Ralph McEachran, 18. Patreece Bell, 19. Hyron Andrews, 20. Reuben Logan, 21. Gus Warr, 22. Luke James, 23. Alex Wills

Starting XV: 15. Rich Lane, 14. Noah Heward, 13. Jack Bates, 12. Joe Jenkins, 11. Aidan Boshoff, 10. Sam Worsley, 9. Harry Randall (c); 1. Jake Woolmore, 2. Tomas Gwilliam, 3. Max Lahiff, 4. James Dun, 5. George Taylor, 6. Joe Owen, 7. Harry Thacker, 8. Joe Batley

Replacements: 16. Kieran Hill, 17. Sam Grahamslaw, 18. Lovejoy Chawatama, 19. Jimmy Halliwell, 20. Kenzie Jenkins, 21. Sam Wolstenholme, 22. Max Pepper, 23. Ollie Harris

Saturday 6th June, 15:15 KO - The Rec

Bath Rugby head into the final round of the Gallagher Premiership season with a home play-off firmly in their sights, and Johann van Graan has named a strong side for Saturday’s showdown with Leicester Tigers at a sold-out Recreation Ground.

Having already secured a place in the semi-finals, Bath know a victory would strengthen their position ahead of the knockout stages. Van Graan has largely stuck with the side that featured against Bristol Bears, retaining an unchanged tight five led by England international Beno Obano and Srpingbok bruiser Thomas du Toit.

Captain Ben Spencer continues at scrum-half alongside Santi Carreras, while the dangerous backline combination of Henry Arundell, Ollie Lawrence and Joe Cokanasiga is also retained.

Leicester arrive in the West Country with several notable changes as Geoff Parling’s side chase a crucial result of their own. James O’Connor returns at fly-half after missing last weekend through injury, while former Bath winger Gabriel Hamer-Webb comes back into the starting XV against his old club.

Cameron Henderson and Olly Cracknell are also promoted to the starting side, while there could be a Gallagher Premiership debut for highly-rated scrum-half Charlie Bemand from the bench. Centre Izaia Perese is also included among the replacements following the completion of his suspension.

With both teams still playing for significant positions heading into the post-season, the final round fixture promises to be one of the standout contests of the weekend.

Starting XV: 15. Tom de Glanville, 14. Joe Cokanasiga, 13. Ollie Lawrence, 12. Max Ojomoh, 11. Henry Arundell, 10. Santi Carreras, 9. Ben Spencer (c); 1. Beno Obano, 2. Kepueli Tuipulotu, 3. Thomas du Toit, 4. Ted Hill, 5. Charlie Ewels, 6. Josh Bayliss, 7. Sam Underhill, 8. Alfie Barbeary

Replacements: 16. Dan Frost, 17. Francois van Wyk, 18. Vilikesa Sela, 19. Ross Molony, 20. Ewan Richards, 21. Tom Carr-Smith, 22. Cameron Redpath, 23. Miles Reid

Starting XV: 15. George Pearson, 14. Adam Radwan, 13. Will Wand, 12. Orlando Bailey, 11. Gabriel Hamer-Webb, 10. James O’Connor, 9. Jack van Poortvliet; 1. Nicky Smith, 2. Jamie Blamire, 3. Joe Heyes, 4. Cameron Henderson, 5. Ollie Chessum (c), 6. Hanro Liebenberg, 7. Tommy Reffell, 8. Olly Cracknell

Replacements: 16. Charlie Clare, 17. Archie van der Flier, 18. Will Hurd, 19. George Martin, 20. Hamish Watson, 21. Charlie Bemand, 22. Solomone Kata, 23. Izaia Perese

Saturday 6th June, 15:15 KO - The Stoop

Harlequins have made five changes for their final Gallagher Premiership match of the regular season, with club stalwart Stephan Lewies returning from injury for what could be his final appearance at The Stoop against league leaders Northampton Saints.

The South African lock comes straight back into the second row as Quins look to finish their campaign strongly, while highly-rated 19-year-old prop Ollie Streeter is rewarded with his first Premiership start after impressing from the bench in recent weeks. Will Evans also returns to the back row, joining Jack Kenningham and captain Alex Dombrandt in the loose forwards.

Marcus Smith continues at fly-half alongside Will Porter, while Cadan Murley shifts into midfield at outside centre with Bryn Bradley named inside him. Cassius Cleaves earns a starting berth on the wing, while Jamie Benson starts at full-back in what will be his final match for the club.

Northampton, already assured of top spot and a home semi-final, have opted to rotate heavily ahead of the play-offs. Hooker Curtis Langdon returns from the hand injury that has sidelined him since April, while Fraser Dingwall captains the side from midfield alongside Tom Litchfield.

Anthony Belleau and Jonny Weimann form the half-back pairing, while James Pater starts at full-back. Saints are also chasing a league record, requiring just one try to reach 100 for the regular season. Among the replacements, prop Sonny Tonga’uiha is in line to make his Gallagher Premiership debut.

Starting XV: 15. Jamie Benson, 14. Cameron Anderson, 13. Cadan Murley, 12. Bryn Bradley, 11. Cassius Cleaves, 10. Marcus Smith, 9. Will Porter; 1. Will Hobson, 2. Sam Riley, 3. Ollie Streeter, 4. Jonny Green, 5. Stephan Lewies, 6. Jack Kenningham, 7. Will Evans, 8. Alex Dombrandt (c)

Replacements: 16. Jimmy Staples, 17. Boris Wenger, 18. Pedro Delgado, 19. Kieran Treadwell, 20. Guido Petti, 21. Tom Lawday, 22. Stu Townsend, 23. Josh Bellamy

Starting XV: 15. James Pater, 14. James Martin, 13. Tom Litchfield, 12. Fraser Dingwall (c), 11. James Ramm, 10. Anthony Belleau, 9. Jonny Weimann; 1. Danilo Fischetti, 2. Curtis Langdon, 3. Cleopas Kundiona, 4. Tom Lockett, 5. JJ van der Mescht, 6. Josh Kemeny, 7. Tom Pearson, 8. Sam Graham

Replacements: 16. Craig Wright, 17. Tom West, 18. Sonny Tonga’uiha, 19. Chunya Munga, 20. Callum Chick, 21. Tom James, 22. Toby Thame, 23. George Hendy

Saturday 6th June, 15:15 KO - Sandy Park

Exeter Chiefs and Saracens will meet in a winner-takes-all showdown at Sandy Park on Saturday, with the final remaining Gallagher Premiership semi-final place up for grabs in one of the most significant fixtures of the regular season.

Rob Baxter has made two changes to the Exeter side that claimed a crucial victory over Leicester Tigers last weekend, with Paul Brown-Bampoe and Christ Tshiunza promoted to the starting XV following injuries to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Greg Fisilau. England winger Feyi-Waboso is set to undergo surgery after suffering a facial injury, while Fisilau also remains sidelined.

The Chiefs retain the same front five that impressed against Leicester, with Scott Sio preparing for his final match at Sandy Park and captain Dafydd Jenkins partnering Andrea Zambonin in the second row. Tshiunza joins Tom Hooper and Ethan Roots in a reshaped back row, while Henry Slade and Len Ikitau continue their midfield partnership.

Saracens arrive in Devon on the back of five consecutive victories and make just two changes from the side that defeated Harlequins. Theo McFarland returns to the starting back row and Rotimi Segun is restored on the wing after recovering from a knee injury.

Maro Itoje captains a powerful side featuring England internationals Jamie George, Ben Earl and Tom Willis, while Charlie Bracken and Fergus Burke continue at half-back. The visitors also welcome Marco Riccioni back into the matchday squad, with Owen Farrell providing experienced cover from the bench.

With both sides knowing victory will secure a place in the Premiership play-offs, Saturday’s encounter promises to be one of the defining matches of the season.

Starting XV: 15. Olly Woodburn, 14. Paul Brown-Bampoe, 13. Henry Slade, 12. Len Ikitau, 11. Campbell Ridl, 10. Harvey Skinner, 9. Stephen Varney; 1. Scott Sio, 2. Max Norey, 3. Josh Iosefa-Scott, 4. Dafydd Jenkins (c), 5. Andrea Zambonin, 6. Tom Hooper, 7. Christ Tshiunza, 8. Ethan Roots

Replacements: 16. Joseph Dweba, 17. Ethan Burger, 18. Bachuki Tchumbadze, 19. Rusi Tuima, 20. Kane James, 21. Tom Cairns, 22. Zack Wimbush, 23. Ben Hammersley

Starting XV: 15. Max Malins, 14. Tobias Elliott, 13. Nick Tompkins, 12. Olly Hartley, 11. Rotimi Segun, 10. Fergus Burke, 9. Charlie Bracken; 1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Jamie George, 3. Marcus Street, 4. Maro Itoje (c), 5. Hugh Tizard, 6. Theo McFarland, 7. Ben Earl, 8. Tom Willis

Replacements: 16. Theo Dan, 17. Rhys Carre, 18. Marco Riccioni, 19. Nick Isiekwe, 20. Nathan Michelow, 21. Ivan van Zyl, 22. Owen Farrell, 23. Noah Caluori

Saturday 6th June, 15:15 KO - Kingsholm Stadium

Gloucester Rugby will bid farewell to one of their most respected servants on Saturday as Matías Alemanno prepares to make his 100th and final appearance for the club against Newcastle Red Bulls at Kingsholm.

The experienced Argentine lock captains the side from the second row alongside Arthur Clark in what promises to be an emotional occasion for the Cherry and Whites. Gloucester make just one alteration in the backs from the side narrowly beaten by Northampton Saints last weekend, with Ollie Thorley and Ben Loader swapping wings.

Val Rapava Ruskin, Seb Blake and Afo Fasogbon form the front row, while Freddie Thomas, James Venter and Will Trenholm complete the back row. Caolan Englefield and Charlie Atkinson continue their half-back partnership, with captain Seb Atkinson and Max Llewellyn lining up in midfield.

Newcastle arrive at Kingsholm fresh from their dramatic victory over Sale Sharks and make three changes to the side that secured that memorable result. Alex Hearle will make his 50th appearance for the club after a remarkable week in which he scored a match-winning hat-trick against Sale and collected both the Players’ Player of the Season and Attacker of the Season awards.

Freddie Lockwood returns at number eight after scoring from the bench on his comeback last weekend, while Murray McCallum and Elliott Obatoyinbo also come into the starting XV. Head coach Stephen Jones, taking charge of his final match before returning to his previous role as attack coach, has challenged his side to finish the campaign strongly despite their league position already being settled.

Gloucester remain in the hunt for Champions Cup qualification, while Newcastle will be looking to complete a league double over the Cherry and Whites after their 25-19 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season.

Starting XV: 15. Ben Redshaw, 14. Ben Loader, 13. Max Llewellyn, 12. Seb Atkinson (c), 11. Ollie Thorley, 10. Charlie Atkinson, 9. Caolan Englefield; 1. Val Rapava Ruskin, 2. Seb Blake, 3. Afo Fasogbon, 4. Arthur Clark, 5. Matías Alemanno, 6. Freddie Thomas, 7. James Venter, 8. Will Trenholm

Replacements: 16. Jack Innard, 17. Dian Bleuler, 18. Ciaran Knight, 19. Deian Gwynne, 20. Jack Clement, 21. Mikey Austin, 22. Will Knight, 23. Josiah Edwards-Giraud

Starting XV: 15. Ethan Grayson, 14. Harrison Obatoyinbo, 13. Alex Hearle, 12. Sammy Arnold, 11. Elliott Obatoyinbo, 10. Brett Connon, 9. Simón Benítez Cruz; 1. Connor Hancock, 2. George McGuigan (c), 3. Murray McCallum, 4. Jamie Hodgson, 5. Adam Scott, 6. Ollie Leatherbarrow, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Freddie Lockwood

Replacements: 16. Ollie Fletcher, 17. Jamie Clark, 18. Richard Palframan, 19. Tim Cardall, 20. Reuben Parsons, 21. James Elliott, 22. Ben Healy, 23. Christian Wade