Completing a quartet of Saints New Zealanders is Sam Harding who will take his place amongst the replacements. Raphael Ibanez of Wasps will captain the side that also features former Australian internationals Joe Roff and Matt Burke.

With Ben Cohen and Steve Thompson both opting to recharge their batteries this summer and Jon Clarke unavailable for selection due to a groin operation, there are no Saints players in the England team. Newly crowned Guinness Premiership Player of the Year Mike Catt plays in the centre along with England sevens hero Matthew Tait and are captained by Worcester’s Pat Sanderson.