By Jonjo
November 30 2005

In the previews that I have written before, I have tended to concentrate on “one on one” player comparisons. For this match,however,it seems to me that the hot topic is attitude. Who wants this chalice? Will Dimes, or even that wise owl McGeechan, do a Catherine Tate: “Bovvered? Do I look bovvered?” Without wishing to belittle the Powergen Cup too much, how important is this game to Wasps and Saracens in the context of the Guinness Premiership and the Heineken Cup?

Looking at Pool B, Wasps are out in front on 9 points, with Sarries 3rd, just behind Cardiff on points difference. But there is no clear winner yet with Cardiff and Sarries still in the hunt on 5 points and all depends on the results on Sunday. If Sarries win, there are three possible pool winners, depending on bonus points and/or points difference. If Wasps win, they go forward. Irish are out of it, so who would bet on them committing everything against Cardiff? In summary, Saracens have a theoretical chance, but it is a long shot IF Wasps take the competition seriously, but like us, they have another two rounds of the Heineken Cup to follow before a much needed week off at Christmas. If Wasps treat it as a run-out for their A team and if we win with a big score and a bonus point, it could be game on for Sarries.

So how will Sarries’ approach the match? It seems to me that we have an underlying commitment problem in all competitions that is proving hard to eradicate. We have brought off some fine results against big opposition – particularly Leicester and Biarritz in recent memory - when we have raised our game and played to our full potential. Our form against less fancied opposition, however, consistently falls short of our potential: although perhaps the word “consistently” is not in the Saracens’ Dictionary.

So, do Fordy and Dimes send the first team back into battle, to keep going until they get it right? Or do they treat Sunday as an opposed training game and give some of the supporting players a run out? What is the best preparation for the back-to back games against Ulster? I hope that he makes a clear decision, go for the win or go for a run out. To me, the worst case scenario would be to make a half-hearted effort to win: it is bound to end in failure and worsening morale. If we give it our best shot and lose to one of the two best teams in the Premiership it is no disgrace. Equally, if we treat it as a work-out, defeat will be something we can accept as a price to pay for resting some key players and giving others a chance to impress.

All will be revealed when the teams are announced: stand by for Part 2 on Friday.