David Paice and Alex Corbisiero also return to face unchanged Exeter side still undefeated at home in the Premiership, and Armitage believes his club’s fine form stands him in good stead to challenge for more international honours.

“Honestly, in my head, I think I can be the number one full-back for England," said Armitage.

"Don't get me wrong - Ben Foden is a brilliant player and there are a few other youngsters coming through as well - but in the 15 starts that I've had for England I was unstoppable.

“I believe we are going in the right direction, I believe we are good enough as individuals, team-wise and with the guys coming up - I just hope everybody believes that too.”

Lewis Moody’s bruised eye denies him a return to Welford Road, where he spent 14 years of his career, as his new club Bath face Leicester Tigers, though Sam Vesty and new signing Ignacio Fernandez-Lobbe start.

Boris Stankovich and Dan Cole play for the Tigers in place of Marcos Ayerza and Martin Castrogiovanni, but the club was rocked with the news that forward Richard Blaze has retired with a foot injury this week.

Gloucester are boosted by the return of England centre Mike Tindall as they face Harlequins at Kingsholm.

Will Skinner is the only Harlequins player to retain his place in the pack, while Nick Evans and Jordan Turner-Hall return to the backs.

In Friday night’s games, Saracens beat Newcastle 15-13 at Kingston Park with a last-gasp penalty from Alex Goode, while Sale edged past Leeds 6-3 at Headingley thanks to two Nick Macleod penalties.