England captain Owen Farrell’s return to action for Saracens has been delayed after he sustained an injury in training.
Mako Vunipola, Maro Itoje and Billy Vunipola all return to bolster the Saracens pack, which will again feature Jamie George, Vincent Koch and Jackson Wray.
Hooker George will captain the side on Sunday with Owen Farrell, who was named new Club Captain this week, missing out with a slight strain.
Elliot Daly will also start at outside centre, while Sean Maitland returns to the left wing as one of eight changes to the starting XV that recorded a bonus-point win over Richmond.
“All of the international players are ready to crack on with rugby now,” said McCall. “They’re back in with their teammates, it’s great to have them back and they’ll all keen to roll their sleeves up.
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“The history of these players coming back from international windows has always been really positive. They’ve been amazing, the attitude they’ve brought, they’ve brought a real life to the place and it’s been incredibly positive.
“It’s a time of the season which our players have always enjoyed, we’ve always played important games over April and May in the last few years and as it happens some of the games we are going to play are going to be as important.”
Saracens team to face Bedford Blues: 15. Elliott Obatoyinbo, 14. Alex Lewington, 13. Elliot Daly, 12. Duncan Taylor, 11. Sean Maitland, 10. Manu Vunipola, 9. Aled Davies; 1. Mako Vunipola, 2. Jamie George ©, 3. Vincent Koch, 4. Maro Itoje, 5. Joel Kpoku, 6. Andy Christie, 7. Jackson Wray, 8. Billy Vunipola
12 things you didn’t know about Owen Farrell
1. He started off in Rugby League
His education began in rugby league – he joined Wigan St Patricks at the age of eight.
2. School days
It’s well known that the Saracens star went to school with England teammate George Ford, however, it’s less well known that he went onto study Business at Hertfordshire University.
3. Celebration
Farrell celebrates every point he scores by linking his index fingers together to make a ‘JJ’ sign, the Joining Jack salute, Joining Jack being a charity dedicated to the needs of sufferers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.[ Farrell is also a patron for Duchenne muscular dystrophy charity Duchenne UK.
