Test stars Scott Quinnell and Troy Coker are both facing suspensions for recent incidents, although Quinnell is appealing against his punishment.

The Richmond and Wales number eight was banned for 14 days for a late, high tackle on England and Wasps captain Lawrence Dallaglio.

But with the appeal pending he plays on in the hope of being cleared to appear for Wales in the Test against South Africa next weekend.

Meanwhile Saracens' Australian international Coker faces a disciplinary hearing on 19 November for punching Newcastle's Ian Peel last Saturday.

He may have trouble at the hearing as the club are having trouble finding video to prove that he was provoked as the basis for a mitigation plea.

Saracens will be without their player-coach, Francois Pienaar for Sunday's game.

He suffered a head wound at Newcastle last week, though he was not concussed.

He takes a week off as Coker shifts from lock to flanker to replace him.

The defeat in the north was Saracens' third collapse in 15 days, during which they have leaked 115 points.

Manager Mark Evans said: "We don't know why we have suddenly started losing after our winning start. But we will find out and get it right.

"We are not going to fade away after our successes of last season."

In stark contrast Richmond are in fine form, having won five of their last six matches, a run which has taken them above Saracens in the table.

Manager John Kingston says last season provides plenty of incentive: "They beat us twice in the League and knocked us out of the Cup.