Return of The King

By Henry Harman
November 28 2003

A week ago Richard Hill and Kyran Bracken were part of one of the greatest English sporting victories of all time. Sydney one week in front of 80,000 odd fans and a television audience of 30,000,000, the mighty Vicarage Road the next!

The balance that Hilly bought back to the England team is exactly what Sarries are desperately craving. Poise, patience and control have escaped the MiB during the World Cup period. This Sunday’s fixture at VR against fellow Premiership strugglers Rotherham is the perfect game for Sarries to re-launch their campaign …….. Again!

The problem is, knowing Saracens as we all do, nothing is guaranteed!

The Titans ran Leicester Tigers close last week going down in the end 17-27 after being in sight of their first bonus point with only a few minutes to go, leaving Rotherham still without a point, rooted to the bottom of the ZP.

Saracens have selected a strong team for the game. Cobus Visagie makes his debut in the front row along side Scotland hooker Robbie Russell and Argentine prop Emi’ Bergemaschi. Alex Codling returns to the second row to partner Simon Raiwalui, ‘The King’ returns to the back-row.

The other interesting change is Thomas Castaignede’s chance to show his skills at fly half. Nicky Little, along with Kyran Bracken, is on the bench, Andy Goode is rested.

The pack has a bit more of a go-forward look to it, finally Rod Kafer can have a bit of confidence that the backs could have some decent ball. If they do, Sarries should take 5 points from the fixture. How welcome those points would be.