By Jason Harris
August 21 2002

Saracens head coach Wayne Shelford talks about the Japanese tour and drops some hints that the side that plays Suntory at the weekend will closely resemble the one that will take on Bristol in the opening Zurich Premiership game. Speaking in an audio interview on the club's official web site, Shelford said that the preparations for the first tour game at Sanix went very well despite the high temperatures and humidit out in Japan.

The New Zealander was happy with the back play, turnover ball wins, scrums and lineouts and he was also pleased with ball retention and continuity.

The players are now back in twice-daily training sessions before the second game against Suntory. Shelford hinted that after a youthful side took to the field in the tour opener, the senior squad players will be up for selection agains the Japanse champions. And those selected will be put through their paces for as close to 80 minutes as possible.

Sarries will return to the UK on Monday and will have five days to get their gameplan ready for the game at the Memorial Stadium where they will hope to get their 2002-03 league campaing off to a flying start.