McCall must do without stars in France

SARACENS will rest their entire England contingent for Saturday’s Champions Cup knockout clash at Toulon after choosing to prioritise the Premiership.

- By Duncan Bech

Director of rugby Mark McCall revealed that Maro Itoje and Tom Willis will complete their mandatory post-Six Nations stand-down week when European action recommences for the round-of-16 fixtures.

Joining them on the sidelines will be Jamie George, Ben Earl and Elliot Daly even though the trio of England stars could be picked to face the Top 14 title challengers, having not appeared in every match of the Six Nations.

Saracens’ decision to field their strongest side against Leicester yesterday resulted in a victory that propelled them within two points of the top four, boosting their play-off hopes.