At this stage in the season, Sarries hope to give Bath a good run for their money. Both teams have a strong pack and quick backlines, so if the conditions are right, fans could be in for an entertaining afternoon of running rugby. Saracens side will be without two key players who have helped the team to achieve a Heineken Cup Quarter Final place for the first time in the club's history. Kiwi Lock Chris Jack is jetting back to New Zealand for a long-standing family engagement, while Centre Kevin Sorrell is recovering from his ankle injury sustained against Glasgow last weekend. One of the factors which has enabled Sarries to do well so far this season is the squad's strength in depth, so I'm sure Alan Gaffney will have a tough job deciding who should replace these two for the Bath clash.
 
Looking at this season's GP results for the two teams, Bath have a 100% record at home, with wins over Bristol, Gloucester, Quins, Leeds, Sale and Worcester already under their belt. On the road, they have won two out of four; at Irish and the Falcons. They were only beaten by Leicester and Wasps away. In all competitions, they have won 15 and lost 4.
 
Meanwhile, Sarries have been travelling more in the GP than playing at home so far this season: they have won away at Quins, Leeds, Wasps and Worcester but stumbled at Gloucester and Sale. Their home record is only 50/50, beating London Irish and the Tigers. Gloucester came to Vicarage Road early in the season and won by a converted try. Then Sarries had their (hopefully temporary) blip against the Falcons just after Christmas - a banana skin waiting to happen - when they went down by a penalty score. But since then, they looked impressive at home, running rings around French team Biarritz and outscoring  them five tries to one. That will surely have boosted their confidence, so hopefully they will come out against Bath with all guns blazing. In all competitions Sarries have won 13 and lost 6.
 
If that wasn't enough, the fixture has suddenly gained more significance for one player (assuming he gets picked) - Lock Steve Borthwick - who announced last week he was leaving Bath after 10 years to sign for Sarries! There have been many dark mutterings on other message boards about his decision, and he has just been "relieved" of his Captaincy duties by the Bath management. I'm sure he'll give his all to the club until the end of the season, but the Fez Folks will be keeping one eye on his performance during the game to see what sort of investment has been made! And they will hope that the Men In Black can avenge the defeat they suffered last time Bath visited - sneaking into the European Challenge Cup Final last April by a solitary point. I'm sure they will appreciate the fans' support, whatever happens.

Allez Les Noirs!

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