In team news ahead of the game, Alex Goode starts the game at fly half and there are also full debuts for summer signings Richard Wigglesworth and Kelly Brown.

Carlos Nieto, who missed the second half of last season through injury, returns to the starting line-up at prop while Ernst Joubert captains the side. Deon Carstens, another new signing, is named on the bench along with England U20s second row George Kruis who will make his Premiership debut should he take the field.

In injury news, Steve Borthwick has returned to full training while David Strettle and Neil de Kock miss the game with small knocks, although it is hoped that all three will be available for selection next week.

Speaking ahead of the game, Director of Rugby Brendan Venter said: "Everyone in the squad is excited about the start of the new season and what better way to begin than in front of a crowd of more than 70,000 at Twickenham. We've had a good pre-season and now we can't wait for the action to begin. We face London Irish on Saturday and they have a talented squad of players under the direction of Toby Booth and I am sure they will be challenging for honours at the end of the season."

Saracens line-up vs London Irish
15 Chris Wyles
14 Noah Cato
13 Adam Powell
12 Brad Barritt
11 Michael Tagicakibau
10 Alex Goode
9 Richard Wigglesworth
1 Rhys Gill
2 Schalk Brits
3 Carlos Nieto
4 Hugh Vyvyan
5 Mouritz Botha
6 Kelly Brown
7 Jacques Burger
8 Ernst Joubert ©

16 Ethienne Reynecke
17 Deon Carstens
18 Petrus du Plessis
19 George Kruis
20 Justin Melck
21 Kevin Barrett
22 Derick Hougaard
23 Kameli Ratuvou