Hooley Will make Saints debut in LV= Cup clash with Saracens
Will Hooley will make his Saints debut in Saturday’s LV= Cup clash with Saracens at Franklin’s Gardens (kick-off 3pm).
The Academy fly-half takes the place of Glenn Dickson, with Stephen Myler, who was released by England earlier this week, named among the replacements.
Hooley has made 11 starts for Moseley in the Championship this season and was part of England Under 20s’ World Championship-winning squad last summer.
The 20-year-old’s inclusion is one of five changes from the 34-16 win at Newport last weekend, with Jamie Elliott, George Pisi, Samu Manoa and Ben Nutley all named in the first 15.
Saracens have decided against selecting Chris Ashton, who was dropped by England for their Six Nations opener in France on Saturday evening.
Mark McCall has instead opted to name an experimental side, with experienced players such as Mouritz Botha and Jacques Burger on the bench.
Saints: Wilson; Elliott, G Pisi, Waldouck, K Pisi; Hooley, Fotuali’i; E Waller, Haywood, Denman, Verbakel, Manoa, Harrison, Nutley, van Velze (c).
Replacements: McMillan, Warren, Parkins, C Day, Williams, A Day, Myler, Autagavaia.
Saracens: Ransom; Wilson, Streather, Bosch, Tagicakibau; Mordt (c), Spencer; Gill, Saunders, Du Plessis, Smith, Sheriff, de Jager, Hankin, Melck
Replacements: Spurling, Barrington, Stevens, Botha, Burger, Maplesden, Stanley, Jubb.