Saints lost their previously unblemished home record to Sarries last month when Brendan Venter’s men recorded a 28-27 victory at Franklins Gardens.

It was the Saints’ first defeat at HQ since they were beaten 19-13 by Newcastle Falcons in February 2009 and Dowson admits the wounds have yet to heal.

He said: “There should be a bit of spice about the match – that’s for sure.

“We were bitterly disappointed to lose our home record and we have had a couple of other big games with them this season.

“They’ll want to get us back for the LV= Cup match in a big game and it doesn’t get much bigger than the Premiership semis.

“We spoke at length in the dressing room about the Premiership defeat last month. We wanted to keep the run going but I would rather lose to them then than in the semi-finals.

“There has been a bit of rivalry between the two clubs this year and we want to get them back.

“I’ve been delighted with how my first season’s gone. To win a trophy (the LV= Cup) and get to the Premiership semi-finals is a fantastic achievement but it’s not over yet.”

Scotland prop Euan Murray sits out the game because of his religious beliefs with South African Brian Mujati filling the tighthead berth for Saints.

Once again, Stephen Myler is preferred at fly-half to Shane Geraghty who takes his place on the bench alongside fellow England squad member Courtney Lawes.

Saracens – who have no players in the 44-man touring party to Australasia – also make one change with Alex Goode retuning to full-back.