England captain Steve Borthwick has been given a ringing endorsement by Saracens coach Paul Gustard ahead of his return to domestic duty at Worcester on Friday night.

Borthwick came under heavy fire following England's dismal autumn Test series and there were calls in some quarters for him to be stripped of the captaincy and even removed from the side altogether.

The 30-year-old lock is back in action for Saracens at Sixways when his side will be seeking to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season with a ninth successive Guinness Premiership win.

Gustard said: "Having Steve Borthwick back in the side is fantastic.

"I've been lucky enough to play with some great captains in my career, but his leadership, commitment and dedication are second to none and it's great to have him back in the side."

Chris Wyles and Moses Rauluni also return after international duty with USA and Fiji respectively.

Gustard added: "Chris Wyles has been in great form this season and, as anyone who knows him (would say), Moses Rauluni is a great character to have around the club and also a terrific player."

Worcester director of rugby Mike Ruddock admits his struggling side face a stern test against the Premiership leaders.

Ruddock has selected the same starting line-up that drew 12-12 with Bath at Sixways in Worcester's previous outing.

The Welshman said: "They are undefeated and very difficult to break down.

"They are not only top of the league but they have also beaten the world champions, South Africa, so it doesn't get much bigger than this."

Sale, victors in their last two Premiership outings, were boosted further this week after England wing Mark Cueto signed a new four-year deal ahead of the visit of Wasps.

Sharks director of rugby Kingsley Jones has recalled Mathew Tait to the starting line-up but Welsh centre Lee Thomas could miss out due to a hamstring problem.

Jones said: "Wasps are one of the best sides in the Guinness Premiership and we need to respect them for the whole 80 minutes."

Wasps are strengthened by the return of England duo Simon Shaw and Tim Payne at Edgeley Park as they seek to bounce back from last week's defeat at Saracens.

Director of rugby Tony Hanks has made four changes to his starting line-up and said: "We are obviously pleased to welcome back Simon Shaw and Tim Payne to the line-up after the international period.

"That shows after three difficult Test matches, especially where Tim is concerned having played in all three games, the quality and commitment of our players, proven by their desire to get straight back into the mix."

Newcastle have made just one change to their side for the visit of Northampton to Kingston Park.

Tom Biggs replaces former Leeds Rhinos wing Danny Williams as the Falcons seek to record a fourth successive Premiership victory.

Newcastle won 15-11 at London Irish last weekend and director of rugby Steve Bates said: "We know that Northampton will provide a huge challenge.

"They have quality players right across the field and, like ourselves, have won their last three Guinness Premiership games, so it should be a cracking match."

Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder is wary of Newcastle's threat, admitting: "As the season has gone on they have become better and better."

Mallinder recalls England trio Shane Geraghty, Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes to the starting line-up in place of Stephen Myler, Brett Sharman and Christian Day, who all drop to the bench.