By Nev
March 2 2007

This week's preview comes from Nev, which I reckon accurately sums up exactly what we have all been feeling over the past few weeks.... 'Oh how the Mighty are fallen' sayeth The Good Book, I think. And these words apply to the Champions of last season as to no other club this year, so far at least. Injury and loss of form, not to mention international call ups for those still standing, have stripped Sale of much of their squad for most of the season. The run of injuries was so bad at the turn of the year that we had the sight of reserve scrum halves playing second row to make up the numbers. Actually that isn't true. I made that up. But they had to field them on the wing and at 10 I believe. And Sod's Law applying as soon as players start to return, form dips even further. To illustrate the point, Sale have lost their last 5 games in all competitions, including a loss away in Italy and at home last weekend to Irishish.

Given all that, although the mighty have fallen (a little), it's no surprise to find our opponents on Sunday in mid table.

What is a surprise, or even a shock, is to find us above them. The measure how much we have improved of late is the disappointment felt by many when we "only" drew away to Bath on Saturday. That pulsating win against Gloucester and a string of good results this year have seen us rocket up to 5th and with every chance of higher.

Witness recent comment on this Parishes Noticeboard "Played with an intensity not seen since the days of Lynagh". Indeed. I've felt this myself of late. We are organised, solid, have a very good pack, some class at half back and pace out wide. And we've (finally) got strength in depth (yeah, I know, suppose De Kock and Jacko get crocked. Don't go there).

However none of this means anything if we are not consistent. For those who think we should beat Sale, well, cast your minds back to Worcester in November. And London Scottish, etc, etc, etc.

If Sarries want to be a proper top 4 team than Sunday is a must win for us. Good teams don't blow games like this. And, goodness me, I find myself suggesting that we won't. We'll beat Sale. Won't we?

Saracens : Dan Scarbrough, Tevita Vaikona, Kevin Sorrell, Andy Farrell, Kameli Ratuvou, Glen Jackson, Neil de Kock, Kevin Yates, Shane Byrne, Cobus Visagie, Simon Raiwalui, Iain Fullarton, Kris Chesney, Richard Hill, Ben Skirving.
Reps: Matt Cairns, Paul Gustard, Hugh Vyvyan, Adam Powell, Cencus Johnston, Alan Dickens, Tomas De Vedia.