Saints v Sarries Part 94

With only three weeks between meetings, it's not long since the last clash between the sides, when the then-top two faced off in the appropriately titled Best Of English at stadium:mk, which the "hosts" edged 25-20. That win appeared to revive a faltering Saints after their double defeat to Clermont and at Exeter, as the Chiefs completed an impressive double, but the home tie was sealed by a regulation 48-0 home win over London Welsh. The Milton Keynes match offers clear signposts to Sarries what needs to be improved if the Saints are to be toppled on home turf - namely better discipline, sustaining control of a match and clinical taking of chances, after making an impressive start to the contest (although all this is far easier said on a keyboard than done..). Given that the crisp finishing edge missing against Exeter returned with a vengeance against London Welsh, and the control seen in the Leicester home match, Sarries are well capable of swinging the pendulum in their favour in this latest episode.

 

Looking at the potential sides which will take the field, the Saints side seems highly likely to be reminiscent of that which beat Sarries. However, James Wilson may come in at full back, with Ken Pisi on the right wing, and, with George North reportedly unlikely to return for this match, Jamie Elliott should continue on the left, outside a centre partnership of George Pisi and Luther Burrell. The ever-reliable Stephen Myler will be at fly half with Kahn Fotu'ali'i likely to get the nod at scrum half. Into the forwards, and a formidable front row of Alex Corbisiero, Dylan Hartley and Salesi Ma'afu appears in prospect, with a lock combination of Courtney Lawes and Christian Day. Moving to the back row, Tom Wood, Calum Clark and Samu Manoa should feature. Onto Saracens, and Alex Goode's increasing impressive counter attacking play will be vital from full back. Back in the England squad, Chris Ashton and David Strettle look assured for the wings, but in the centres a conundrum, if Brad Barritt is fit, given the good form of both Marcelo Bosch and Chris Wyles at present. Fly half could rotate back to Charlie Hodgson alongside Richard Wigglesworth, whilst Sarries face more intriguing selection dilemnas in the forwards. Mako Vunipola looks certain for loosehead, but Jamie George may return at hooker alongside the retained Petrus du Plessis at tighthead. Another question at lock, where presumably George Kruis will feature, but Maro Itoje may start at the ground where he lifted the LV= Cup. Back row, and a predicted unchanged trio of Jackson Wray, Jacques Burger and Billy Vunipola.

 

Although in pure league position, Saracens have slipped back from first to fourth, that's no disgrace given the dramatic improvement of a well-resourced Bath. Saints have not been as free-flowing at all times, but, apart from a few horror shows, have ground out some vital wins to maintain their place at the summit. Keen to make up for the demolition by Clermont in Europe, they will be determined to reach Twickenham, but Saracens remain a team for the big game. I'd consequently expect Saturday's victors in this clash to claim the showpiece win the following week. Next season will be interesting, with Saints making a host of impressive signings, whilst Saracens have secured the core of the squad with a series of highly welcome extended contracts.