Moorgate. We're Honoured
By Behind the Bench
May 13 2015
In what seems a rather low-key build up, Saracens host the British Army Rugby Union team, fresh from their victory against the Navy in a sell-out clash at Twickenham on Saturday.
It's yet another intriguing encounter at the Honourable Artillery Company grounds in the heart of London, where Saracens have faced sides as diverse as the USA national team, Connacht, Stade Francais, Cornish Pirates, the South African Barbarians, Gloucester and the Ospreys, with the Welsh region the first side to make a return visit when they arrive in August. Although firmly aimed at the corporate market, and priced as such (and yes, I'll be wearing a suit on Thursday), I've always found these matches intriguing. The line ups from a Saracens perspective have tended to be experimental, although not always, but, by the same token, offer a powerful glimpse to the future. Most dramatically, this was seen when Romanian winger Catalin Fercu, who played a crucial role in the dual Storm and LV= Cup triumphs, scored no less than four tries in a 45-12 win over Gloucester this time last year, and signed from Global Network side Timisoara in September, becoming the first player to sign for the club from that source.
The ground itself is an intriguing location, hidden behind office blocks on each side, and a short walk from Moorgate station. The HAC has it's own rugby and cricket teams who play on the ground, whilst Rugby League also features here each January when Championship League One side London Skolars face Wigan Warriors, having previously held their pre-season derby with the Broncos here, although, unlike for Thursday's clash, there is no temporary seating. It's a happy hunting ground for Sarries too, having won every match they have staged here, normally by comfortable margins, as the tries and points flow just as easily as the beer. There have been some fascinating moments on the pitch - who can forget John Smit closing his illustrious career as he captained Saracens against the SA Barbarians in 2013, and finished the match with a cameo ... at fly half. If you haven't experienced it, it's certainly different, providing the rain can be avoided, and might just provide the perfect post-Exeter pick up.
As for sides, given the magnitude of Saturday's side, it's likely that there might be something approaching the LV= Cup Final side, but given my prowess on predicting the line ups lately, don't bank on it. But here goes: a possible back three of Catalin Fercu at full back, with Mike Ellery and George Perkins on the wings, and a centre partnership of Tim Streather and Thretton Palamo, with the backs completed by fly half Nils Mordt and scrum half Ben Spencer. Into the forwards, and the front row could feature Jack Culverhouse, Jared Saunders and Biyi Alo, with Max Wilkins alongside Hayden Smith at lock, and a back row of Haydon Stringer, Matt Hankin and Nick de Jager.
It's unclear whether the Army will field the side who beat the Navy 36-18 to claim the Babcock Trophy at Twickenham, or whether it will be more of an "A" selection. The triumphant line up featured Bath winger Semesa Rokoduguni, who claimed a try, and may yet face Saracens this season, even if it's not in this match, whilst the vastly experienced prop Chris Budgen, the former Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs stalwart, was also in the line up. In 2015, the senior XV has collected wins against Cambridge and Oxford Universities at Aldershot before travelling to a trio of Championship sides, and losing at Worcester and Bedford, either side of a fine 31-7 win at Jersey. They bounced back from a disappointing loss to the Royal Air Force at Aldershot with the Twickenham success. The "A" side lost to the British Army (Germany), again at Aldershot, but then claimed a fine 43-9 home win against London Scottish before defeats at Henley and to an Eastern Counties side at Goldington Road, Bedford.