| aracens take on NEC Harlequins on Sunday at Vicarage Road in Round 9 of the Zurich Premiership. And Head Coach Wayne Shelford will be without several key players who have been called up for international duties.
England duo Richard Hill and Ben Johnston are in action against New Zealand, French legend Thomas Castaignede starts against South Africa and New Zealand-born Nicky Little will represent Fiji as they take on Wales.
'With the internationals we have five key men out, and this will be six when Morgan Williams moves off to meet up with the Canadian squad,' said Shelford.
Adryan Winnan comes in at full back for the absent Castaignede and Kevin Sorrell comes in for Ben Johnston at outside centre. Richard Haughton plays on the right wing instead of Gerald Arasa.
'The guys coming in to the starting line-up aren't schoolboys, they know what Premiership rugby is about and can step up to the plate.
'It is a good opportunity for several of them to really push for a regular starting spot, and I'm sure that this isn't lost on them.'
The changes in the pack see Tony Roques come in for Ryan Peacey and Ben Russell returning at No. 8 for Richard Hill.
Last week Saracens lost a lead against Leeds Tykes at Headingley, going down 26-18. And Shelford is aware another defeat would be a setback to their hopes of Heineken Cup qualification.
'This is a must win game for us,' he said.
'I expect this to be a tough derby game with some good rugby played, and I look forward to a beer afterwards.'
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