SARACENS front-rowers Matt Cairns and Kevin Yates says they are determined to force their way into Brian Ashton's thoughts for the World Cup by helping England cause an upset against the Springboks later this month.

The burly pair were called up alongside club-mate Andy Farrell in midweek as part of a new-look 30-man squad for the daunting two Test tour of South Africa, yet they are adamant the might of their opponents won't ruin their chances of being part of the red rose team aiming to defend their world title in France this autumn.

Cairns is one of several uncapped players who get the nod while forgotten man Yates is brought out of the international wilderness for the first time in a decade.

While it is no big secret Ashton has lost the bulk of his usual England regulars to injury and club commitments, the experienced scrummers are hoping to shut the door on their rivals at the first time of asking.

"It was a great, but very nice shock for me - a nice surprise," admitted Yates, 34, on his call-up.

"When you play at the top level of any sport you want to achieve the highest level, and that's no different for me.

"It's been nine or ten years since I was last involved in the England squad so it was very nice to get the call and it's a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved.

"I'm looking at it now as my chance to stake a claim in that training squad (ahead of the World Cup). I'd been in touch with a couple of England coaches over the last few months and they said I was in their minds.

"So you're striving for it and you're always hoping for it and when you play you always hope for that recognition."

Cairns won his two caps during England's 1997 tour of Argentina and thinks he is the sole surviving member of that team still playing competitive rugby.

"Most of the people I played with for England last time are now coaches," he chuckled.

"My mother and father have my first shirt and I gave my sister my second. I might keep the next one If I'm lucky enough to get one."

Yates, who could yet find himself playing alongside former Bath team-mates and two other so-called golden oldies in veteran Bristol pair Mark Regan and Danny Crompton, thinks Ashton's side will give South Africa a run for their money, despite playing at altitude in Bloemfontein on May 26 and Pretoria on June 2.

"The whole altitude thing is going to be a challenge for anyone, no matter what age you are," he added.

"I don't think any of us are going to shirk a good challenge.

"The forwards that have been picked for this tour are a good, hard-working set. I don't think there is any concern - certainly not from me - of the calibre of players going on this tour."

England new-boy Cairns shares the same sentiments and has warned the Springboks not to expect an easy ride.

"I've been involved with the A's before and you do wonder if a full call-up is ever going to happen," admitted the 28-year-old.

"When I was at Sale I was competing with international hookers to get into the starting team, but I've managed to play a fair number of games in the last ten years and you do wonder if they (selectors) sit up and take notice.

"This is my opportunity. George Chuter and Lee Mears are the first choice hookers but there is an opportunity for me, and, with the World Cup on the horizon, he (Brian Ashton) is going to pick a training squad in the summer and I have to force my claim.

"You look at the props and the forwards that are going (to South Africa), they are all big scrummagers and I think we will grow in confidence going into it and take up the challenge."

Saracens boss Alan Gaffney was overjoyed to hear three of his players had been called-up and said it was long overdue.

"Faz (Farrell) has played well for us of late while Cairnsy has been involved in a three-way hooking battle with Fabio Ongaro and a guy who used to be a British Lion not long ago in Shane Byrne," he said.

"He has played solidly for us throughout the season and fully deserves his chance with England.

"Yatesey is also a good player and he has to take this chance with both hands and get out there. To play South Africa at altitude is going to be a tough challenge for all three of them."

Saracens will be further represented in Jim Mallinder's England Saxons squad for the Barclays Churchill Cup later this month. Tom Mercey, David Seymour, Ben Skirving, Dan Scarbrough and Men in Black veteran Kevin Sorrell are all named.

"I pity for Dan as he's been playing well enough to get in the first team," added the Aussie. "He's scoring plenty of tries and is working well with Thommo (Castaignede) and Kameli Ratuvou.

"However, I'm delighted that Scabs, Ben Skirving, Dave Seymour and Kevin Sorrell are in the Saxons squad.

"I'm particularly happy for Kevvy because he deserves recognition for what he's done this season. He has been outstanding for us and he deserves a shout along with the rest of them. It's a fantastic achievement."

Gaffney was also happy that the selectors are picking players from the form sides in the Premiership, rather than opting for individuals at struggling clubs.

"The three guys (Cairns, Yates, Farrell) have been picked and rightly so. They are from a form team."