NEVER MIND THE WORLD CUP, HERE COME SARRIES!
JJ Hanrahan
By Behind the Bench
September 24 2015
The longest pre-season ever continues with a first Allianz Park date of the season with Northampton Saints. In contrast with the more structured West Country and Kings of the North pre-season tournaments, both sides have arranged a small number of stand-alone friendlies: Saracens going on to face Worcester in an emotional return to Bramley Road whilst the Saints travel to Wasps.
Given that the combined sides provide the backbone of the England side, in every sense, not to mention a whole host of other international players, this will be another opportunity to demonstrate the strength in depth both sides possess, shown by successes in the LV= Cup. Given that matches are at a premium, there should be considerable activity from the bench to give as many players as possible game time. From a Saracens perspective, it should provide a first glance at the new faces profiled in Darraghgirl's separate article, although Samuel Vunisa is another member of the Saracens' international contingent at RWC2015, featuring for Italy.
Looking at possible sides, as suggested elsewhere, the Wales' injury crisis means that Rhys Gill could be called up as cover. Hence a possible front row would contain Richard Barrington at loosehead, Dave Porecki, the Australian recruited as World Cup cover, at hooker and Petrus du Plessis at tighthead. Alistair Hargreaves and Maro Itoje should team up in the second row whilst a new look back row may feature Kelly Brown alongside Michael Rhodes with Jackson Wray completing the trio.
Into the backs, and the full back spot will probably be occupied by Ben Ransom, with Chris Ashton and Mike Ellery occupying the wing spots outside a centre partnership of Nick Tompkins and Tim Streather. We may well get a first look at Baden Kerr at fly half alongside Ben Spencer.
Switching to the Saints, I would expect a similarly strong line up and some new faces too. That should see a front row of loosehead Alex Waller, hooker Dylan Hartley (now replaced as captain by Lee Dickson) and Gareth Denman. England qualified lock Michael Paterson, a summer signing from Sale, should combine with Christian Day in the second row, whilst the back row looks likely to comprise of Jamie Gibson, fresh from a move from Leicester, Calum Clark and number 8 Sam Dickinson.
Turning to the backs, and even given that the Pisi brothers are playing for Samoa at the World Cup, there is something of an embarassment of riches. The signing of George North was clearly inspired, though at the time didn't seem to be an area in need of improvement for Saints. It seems much the same with the capture of Irish fly half JJ Hanrahan, who can play at full back, and whose departure from Munster was much lamented as one of the Irish province's brightest prospects. Although not an original observation, it seems more than a coincidence that the Saints became a real force when Stephen Myler was established as the definite first choice fly half rather than the constant dovetailing with Shane Geraghty and Ryan Lamb at various stages. (Having said that, Sarries have successfully alternated between two top class fly halves)
So, Ben Foden will presumably start at full back with Jamie Elliott and James Wilson on the wings and a centre partnership of Luther Burrell and new signing Pat Howard, who played at Allianz Park twice last season, for Western Province and Munster. Hanrahan may be given the nod at 10 alongside new skipper Dickson.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2015:10:01:20:43:28 by Darraghgirl.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:24:20:23:03 by The Bard.
Quote:The Bard
What are other clubs doing in the absence of LV cup for their season ticket holders?
As part of our "compensation" we were told that each away supporter at Allianz park would be given their own Beer and pie Wallah picked from the Sarries supporters. I hope this chimes with what you have heard?
Nice piece btw but I'll be a bit surprised if we don't see Tom Stephenson at 13. Will find out in half an hour.