By Rupert Thacker
October 6 2005

This weekend sees the second round of Powergen Cup games, with Saracens hosting London Irish on Sunday at Vicarage Road. A win is essential if the Men in Black are to look at quarter-final qualification. For some reason, this weekend’s game seems to have taken on more significance than it probably should have. The bare facts for this season are that Sarries have now won only 1 of 5 competitive games this season, shipping over 140 points in the process. The other relevant snippet is that Irish have already (deservedly) won twice this calendar year at Vicarage Road, hence it holds no fears for them.

So why the facts? The facts are there to demonstrate that strange sporting concept called “momentum” – Irish are coming off the back of a “good loss” (if there is such a thing) against Wasps, are trying to play a far more expansive game than last season and will be confident in a stadium they know they can perform in. And, just as you get momentum going forward, so you also get momentum the other way – sadly, that’s the direction Sarries appear to be heading at the moment. To change the momentum is one of the hardest things to do in sport, to turn yourself into a team which wins close games and moves forward is not easy and it’s far easier to continue in the slump which you find yourself.

But it has to happen. Without the change, a team loses confidence, gains the losing habit and starts to stare down the barrel of a long, hard winter. If we were to lose to Irish, then to Bristol, then to Biarritz over the next three Sundays, that’s the prospect we face. That alone should be enough to generate the sort of performance on Sunday which brings a victory.

In terms of team selection, I’d put my mortgage (if I had one) on the fact that Sarries will put out a full strength side (injuries permitting); Mike Ford admitted this week that they need time in game situations so this is an ideal opportunity for them. Regardless of who has been picked, they must perform with the intensity and executional skills that have been lacking in past weeks, particularly in Cardiff according to all reports. With respect to Irish, their team selection is not of vital importance – they have quality all over the park and hence whichever side they pick will be strong; whoever the opposition, this game is a “must win, must perform” game for Sarries.

Win on Sunday and the next few weeks will be approached with more optimism. Lose and long, dark days await. Isn’t it strange how a competition like this (which no-one is really convinced about) could suddenly shape the destiny of our season? Roll on 3pm Sunday.