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By Behind the Bench
May 18 2016

Saracens vs Leicester Tigers The Aviva Premiership Play-Off Semi Final Saturday 21 May Allianz Park   After the European euphoria of Lyon, Saracens make an emotional return to Allianz Park for this Saturday lunchtime affair, knowing that there is still much work to be done to secure the first domestic and European double since Wasps were at their pomp over ten years ago.

Listening to all of the post-match comments, there seems a real determination not to let this opportunity slip, and the bookies, who called it right in the Champions Cup, don't think Saracens will miss the chance either, marking them as odds-on to retain the title in little over a week's time. One of the many key factors in the success this season has been flexibility and adaptability, not just in the gameplan, where pragmatic displays such as last week have sat alongside free-flowing attacking displays against Bath and Exeter, but that the international contingent have switched in and out of club duty with no less of intensity or effectiveness. There is, then, nothing to suggest a let-up against the East Midlands outfit this Saturday. For all the talk of rotation, which successfully kept momentum during the Six Nations, one or two exceptions notwithstanding, a clear first choice line up has emerged for the business end of the season. This has created an even more effective cohesion in the side, completely comfortable with the style of play, but incisive enough to take chances when they arise even in the most pressured of situations. But, most of all, the mental approach and discipline shone through last Saturday, as, despite a relatively slender margin, Saracens looked in control, denying Racing time and space to gain any foothold, in the words of Dan Carter. Quite literally, a side for all seasons.
 
Notably, Leicester were the last side to beat Sarries, when they triumphed 21-13 at Welford Road, albeit towards the end of the Six Nations period, in a contest which home fly half Freddie Burns was able to orchestrate, although the visitors remained competitive in the scrum. The Tigers have impressed this season with a more attacking style of play as their customary forward power has been fused to some enterprising play by their backline, and whilst it is stretching a point to say it has been a season of transition, the free-flowing play became hindered by a sea of knock-ons in the European semi final, which Leicester could really have won with more assured handling. The Tigers finished their domestic campaign in mixed form, but winning the "quarter final" shoot-out for fourth spot at Franklins Gardens. After the win over Saracens, they paid for their mistakes in what could have been a costly defeat, 27-20, at Sale Sharks. Back at home, they served up a thrilling 35-30 win over Gloucester, having trailed by 17 points at one stage, and the free-flowing attack stepped up another notch as Stade Francais Paris were humbled 41-13 in the Quarter Final at Welford Road, with Burns and Manu Tuilagi particularly influential. They were at it again in the pivotal 30-24 win at Northampton, so it was something of an anti-climax when the growing sharpness and potency in attack deserted them in a frustrating 19-16 loss to Racing 92 at Nottingham Forest. They were back in the groove as four tries were scored in the 31-17 home win over Worcester Warriors to secure a play-off berth with a game to go, rendering the last day defeat at Bath as irrelevant as a loss to one of your fiercest traditional rivals can be. 
 
On their day, the Tigers are the sharpest counter attacking side in the competition, highlighted by the number of interception tries they have claimed. Whilst Saracens are not noted for stray passes, it does highlight the importance of an accurate kicking game but also the chase behind it, to avoid the dangerous backline gaining momentum. It will, once again, be an intriguing battle of fly halves, as Owen Williams, deputising for the injured Burns, looks to add to his growing reputation. The Sarries pack on Saturday should be virtually the same 8 as the one which scored three penalty tries in the regular season meeting in NW4 in January, so will take a lot of confidence that they can gain what could be a crucial edge again. Even more so than last week, playing the game in the right areas of the pitch is crucial against a side who are sure to relish the relatively rare situation of being underdogs (and let's face it, they're not short of inspiration in their home city at the moment - even Leicestershire cricket are winning now). But, if Saracens show their custom application, they should minimise the chance of an upset, although the back row, boosted by returns from injury, looks a formidable area of the contest. 
 
Continuity appears to be the watchword, so changes to the Saracens starting XV should be minimal. That would see Alex Goode at full back. Chrisses Ashton and Wyles on the wings, and Duncan Taylor contunuing with captain Brad Barritt in the centres. Owen Farrell would be at fly half with Richard Wigglesworth remaining at scrum half. Forwards-wise, Mako Vunipola should stay at loosehead, but Jamie George may start at hooker, alongside tighthead Petrus du Plessis. George Kruis and Maro Itoje make up the second row, with the back row of Michael Rhodes, Will Fraser and Billy Vunipola remaining unchanged too. Leicester benefit from an almost fully-fit squad. That could see Matthew Tait at full back, with Telusa Veainu on the right wing, Veriniki Goneva, who will play for Newcastle next season, on the left, and Peter Betham with Tuilagi in the centres, whilst Williams should team up with Ben Youngs in the half-backs. Pack-wise, the front row should include Marcos Ayerza, Harry Thacker and Dan Cole, with Dom Barrow and Graham Kitchener making up the second row, and a back row of Michael Fitzgerald, Brendon O'Connor and Lachlan McCaffrey.

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Discussion started by TheSaracens.com , 18/05/2016 22:15
TheSaracens.com
18/05/2016 22:15
Thank you once again Gerard for this and all the other previews you have done throughout the season. I really hope there is room for one more.......
Meanwhile I couldn't resist a nostalgic picture!!!!



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2016:05:29:22:41:19 by Darraghgirl.

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derbyshire fan
18/05/2016 23:42
Thanks for this - just hope the boys have recovered from Saturday night

The cult otherwise known as Saracens

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