Saracens will not risk George Kruis in European Champions Cup pool decider

Saracens lock George Kruis, who has been sidelined since Christmas with a broken cheekbone, will not be risked against Toulon in the European Champions Cup pool decider at Allianz Park tomorrow.

Mark McCall, Sarries’ director of rugby, had raised the prospect of Kruis being able to feature in the match before he joins up with England for their Six Nations title defence.

However, it has been decided not to risk aggravating the injury by throwing him into an intensely physical match with Toulon, who have one of the biggest packs in European rugby. Instead, Sarries will keep the second row partnership of 22-year-old Maro Itoje and veteran Scotland lock Jim Hamilton as the European champions attempt to gain the win that will ensure a home quarter-final tie.

Sarries, who drew 22-22 with Scarlets last weekend, have recalled prop Petrus du Plessis and England hooker Jamie George to beef up the front row, but Alex Goode will be missing from the back division with an ankle injury.

Goode’s absence means Alex Lozowski will retain the No15 spot after his impressive showing against Scarlets, while Scotland wing Sean Maitland is recalled to join Chris Ashton in an impressive back three.

Toulon will include Matt Giteau, the outstanding Wallaby, at No10, putting him up against Sarries captain Owen Farrell. “We have our style of play amd we’ve played for so long together, it’s good for confidence,” said France scrum-half Sebastien Tillous-Borde. “[Giteau] creates a sense of danger, and he’ll bring a bit of craziness”.

Harlequins need to win their European Challenge Cup match against Stade Francais in Paris to have any chance of making the last eight.