Brendan Venter sure Jake Sharp can cut it at the top level

Brendan Venter has high hopes for Jake Sharp after naming the 19-year-old as fly-half for Saracens' Amlin Challenge Cup match against Rovigo at Watford on Sunday.

With Sarries operating in the second-tier European tournament, the director of rugby is mixing up his team, bringing in new talent and giving seasoned professionals such as 31-year-old Kevin Sorrell the chance to play their way back to fitness after time on the sidelines.

Sorrell underwent knee reconstruction surgery following a serious injury last season and, after an A team run out alongside Sharp, he should be able to help the youngster against the Italian outfit.

Sharp joined Sarries at seven, coming through their mini-rugby system to win England Under-20 honours last season and a place in the senior squad.

Venter said: "We are going to get stuck into this European competition and if anyone has seen our A team in action then they will know that is exactly what will happen in this match. It is such a pleasure watching our young guys in action because they are like mad things let out of a cage.

"It doesn't matter what team we put out, everyone will be ready and I have a fantastic outside-half in Jake Sharp and this is a great chance for him to play in a proper game at Vicarage Road.

"I am not resting anyone and I do not expect an average performance from this team and they have to get stuck in."

London Wasps are home to big-spending Racing‑Metro 92 who are led by French captain Lionel Nallet and also boast South Africa full-back Francois Steyn. Wasps full-back Lachlan Mitchell, who appeared to be seriously injured last weekend, could play after only suffering mild concussion.