London Irish v Harlequins

Kick-off 2pm today

Venue Twickenham

Last year London Irish 6 Harlequins 16

Last five league games Irish: LDLWL Quins: LDWWL

The first of today's Twickenham double-header and a stroll across the road for "away" side Quins who give a debut to Samoan Steve So'oialo at scrum-half. For Irish, attention centres on new backs Mike Catt, who plays inside centre, and the Australian Scott Staniforth.

Northampton v Bath

Kick-off 3pm today

Venue Franklin's Gardens

Last year Northampton 24 Bath 3

Last five North: WLWWW Bath: WWLLW

Saints' trio of Springbok forwards, including new captain Corne Krige, bolster their pack and Bath could be suffering a hangover from their Zurich Premiership final defeat. Former Bath player Wylie Human lines up on the wing for Northampton who leave Ben Cohen on the bench. Danny Grewcock returns for Bath after suspension.

Saracens v Wasps

Kick-off 4.15pm today

Venue Twickenham

Last year Saracens 31 Wasps 42

Last five Sara: LLLWW Wasps: WWWLL

Saracens' new-found optimism will be sorely tested as the champions return to scene of their two triumphs last May. Matt Dawson makes his league debut for Wasps and Peter Richards continues his new role as makeshift centre. Rod Kafer gives four of a host of summer signings, including new Saracens captain Hugh Vyvyan, their first starts.

Sale v Leicester

Kick-off 1.30pm tomorrow

Venue Edgeley Park

TV Sky Sports 2, 12pm

Last year Sale 29 Leicester 16

Last five Sale: WLWLW Leicester: WDWWW

Leicester's attempt to continue their unbeaten run under John Wells has been undermined by a list of injuries which robs them of a host of back rowers including Neil Back and Martin Corry. Sale may struggle this season but Trevor Woodman makes his debut in the front row, packing down with new French lock Sébastian Chabal.

Leeds v Gloucester

Kick-off 2.30pm tomorrow

Venue Headingley

Last year Leeds 30 Gloucester 23

Last five Leeds: DWLLL Glos: LWWWL

James Forrester, the young Gloucester No8 whose season was interrupted by injury, gets an early chance to stake a claim for Lawrence Dallaglio's England place alongside new signing Adam Balding from Leicester. The England sevens player Simon Amor plays scrum-half. Phil Davies names six debutants, including Chris Bell in the centre.

Worcester v Newcastle

Kick-off 3.30pm tomorrow

Venue Sixways

TV Sky Sports 2, 3.30pm

Last year No fixture

Last five Worc: WWWWW New: DDLLW

The size of Worcester's task will be clear by tea-time tomorrow and while they will improve on Rotherham's hapless efforts it will be a struggle for survival. Warriors throw Tom Collier, a signing from London Welsh, into their back row. Colin Charvis makes his Newcastle debut